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Software · head to head

IQAir vs AirVisual

IQAir logo

IQAir

Software

Global air quality information and purification

From
$399/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Software

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AirVisual has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance; AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
  • They diverge on capability: IQAir covers Global AQI data, AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IQAir and AirVisual actually diverge.

Attributes where IQAir and AirVisual differ
AttributeIQAirAirVisual
Starting price$399/one-timeFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, HardwareIos, Android, Web
Founded19632015

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 IQAir

  • Global AQI data
  • Forecasts
  • API access
  • Mobile apps
  • Smart home
  • Api support

Only in AirVisual

  • Global AQI coverage
  • 3-day forecasts
  • Widgets
  • Apple Watch
  • Smart displays

Both cover

  • City rankings
  • Health recommendations
  • Historical data
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

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

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

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

AirVisual

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

Which should you pick?

Choose IQAir if

  • You need global aqi data.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
  • You also want forecasts.
IQAir review

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

Questions people ask

Is IQAir or AirVisual better?
Neither clearly leads. IQAir starts at $399/one-time and AirVisual at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IQAir or AirVisual?
AirVisual has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $399/one-time for IQAir and Free for AirVisual.
Does IQAir or AirVisual run on more platforms?
IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware. AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web.
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 IQAir best used for?
IQAir is most often used for checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (aqi, pm2.5, etc.) via the airvisual app, getting air quality forecasts for a location, remotely monitoring and controlling iqair air purifiers from a smartphone, integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the airvisual api. Of those, checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (aqi, pm2.5, etc.) via the airvisual app and getting air quality forecasts for a location are not what AirVisual is typically brought in for.
What can IQAir do that AirVisual cannot?
IQAir covers Global AQI data, Forecasts, API access, Mobile apps. AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Widgets, Apple Watch. Both handle City rankings, Health recommendations, Historical data, Web 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).

Source
IQAir: 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.

Source
IQAir: 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.

Source
IQAir: 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.

Source
IQAir: 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
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