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Software · head to head

IQAir vs Awair

IQAir logo

IQAir

Software

Global air quality information and purification

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

Awair

Software

Smart indoor air quality monitor for healthy spaces

From
$149/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance; Awair a hardware purchase, with the Element at $299 before any software value
  • They diverge on capability: IQAir covers Global AQI data, Awair covers 5-factor monitoring.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IQAir and Awair actually diverge.

Attributes where IQAir and Awair differ
AttributeIQAirAwair
Starting price$399/one-time$149/one-time
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, HardwareIos, Android, Hardware
Founded19632013

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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
  • City rankings
  • Health recommendations
  • Forecasts
  • Historical data
  • API access
  • Mobile apps
  • Smart home

Only in Awair

  • 5-factor monitoring
  • Awair Score
  • Personalized tips
  • Historical trends
  • Smart displays
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • IFTTT

Both cover

  • 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 Awair
  • Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot Awair
  • Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot Awair
  • Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot Awair
  • Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot Awair

Awair

  • Indoor air quality monitoring at homenot IQAir
  • Tracking CO2, humidity, temperature, VOCs and particulatesnot IQAir
  • Workplace air quality monitoring across a building with Omninot IQAir
  • Correlating air quality with sleep or productivitynot 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

Awair

  • A hardware purchase, with the Element at $299 before any software value
  • The consumer Element tracks 5 environmental factors against 7 on the business Omni
  • Business deployments run on subscriptions, and Omni pricing is not published

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

Awair

$149/one-time
  • Element$149/one-time
    • 5 air factors
    • Smart home integration
    • App access
  • Omni$299/one-time
    • Enterprise features
    • API access
    • Advanced analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose IQAir if

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

Choose Awair if

  • You need 5-factor monitoring.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Hardware.
  • You also want awair score.
Awair review

Questions people ask

Is IQAir or Awair better?
Neither clearly leads. IQAir starts at $399/one-time and Awair at $149/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IQAir or Awair?
IQAir starts at $399/one-time and Awair at $149/one-time.
Does IQAir or Awair run on more platforms?
IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware. Awair runs on Ios, Android, Hardware.
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 Awair is typically brought in for.
What can IQAir do that Awair cannot?
IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Health recommendations, Forecasts. Awair covers 5-factor monitoring, Awair Score, Personalized tips, Historical trends. Both handle Ios support, Android 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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