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EPA AirNow vs IQAir

EPA AirNow logo

EPA AirNow

Weather

Official U.S. government air quality information

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IQAir logo

IQAir

Weather

Global air quality information and purification

From
$399/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only EPA AirNow has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: EPA AirNow air quality data availability depends on nearby monitoring stations, can show no data found near a location when no monitor is close enough; IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
  • They diverge on capability: EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, IQAir covers Global AQI data.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which EPA AirNow and IQAir actually diverge.

Attributes where EPA AirNow and IQAir differ
AttributeEPA AirNowIQAir
Starting priceFree$399/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb, iOS, Android, Hardware
Founded19701963

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

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 EPA AirNow

  • Official AQI data
  • Air quality forecasts
  • Fire & smoke data
  • Data feeds
  • Widgets
  • API

Only in IQAir

  • Global AQI data
  • City rankings
  • Forecasts
  • Historical data
  • Mobile apps
  • Smart home
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Both cover

  • Health recommendations
  • API access
  • Web support
  • Api support

What people use each for

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

EPA AirNow

  • Checking current Air Quality Index (AQI) for a location or any searched areanot IQAir
  • Viewing next-day AQI forecasts to plan outdoor activitiesnot IQAir
  • Monitoring wildfire smoke via the Fire and Smoke Map (built with the U.S. Forest Service)not IQAir
  • Saving multiple locations for quick referencenot IQAir
  • Receiving optional push notifications for local AQI forecastsnot IQAir

IQAir

  • Checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (AQI, PM2.5, etc.) via the AirVisual appnot EPA AirNow
  • Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot EPA AirNow
  • Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot EPA AirNow
  • Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot EPA AirNow
  • Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot EPA AirNow

Where each one falls short

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

EPA AirNow

  • Air quality data availability depends on nearby monitoring stations, can show no data found near a location when no monitor is close enough
  • Interactive monitor map (PM2.5, PM10, ozone) coverage documented on the primary source is U.S.-focused
  • As a government-run service it offers no paid tiers, proprietary data sources, or customization options found in commercial weather/air-quality apps

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

EPA AirNow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the EPA AirNow review.

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 EPA AirNow if

  • You need official aqi data.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want air quality forecasts.
EPA AirNow review

Choose IQAir if

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

Questions people ask

Is EPA AirNow or IQAir better?
Neither clearly leads. EPA AirNow 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, EPA AirNow or IQAir?
EPA AirNow has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for EPA AirNow and $399/one-time for IQAir.
Does EPA AirNow or IQAir run on more platforms?
EPA AirNow runs on iOS, Android, Web. IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
Can I use EPA AirNow for free?
Yes. EPA AirNow has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IQAir starts at $399/one-time.
What is EPA AirNow best used for?
EPA AirNow is most often used for checking current air quality index (aqi) for a location or any searched area, viewing next-day aqi forecasts to plan outdoor activities, monitoring wildfire smoke via the fire and smoke map (built with the u.s. forest service), saving multiple locations for quick reference. Of those, checking current air quality index (aqi) for a location or any searched area and viewing next-day aqi forecasts to plan outdoor activities are not what IQAir is typically brought in for.
What can EPA AirNow do that IQAir cannot?
EPA AirNow covers Official AQI data, Air quality forecasts, Fire & smoke data, Data feeds. IQAir covers Global AQI data, City rankings, Forecasts, Historical data. Both handle Health recommendations, API access, Web support, Api support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

EPA AirNow: Is AirNow.gov free to use?

Yes. AirNow.gov is a free service operated by the EPA and its partners that provides air quality data, forecasts, maps, and educational resources at no cost to users.

Source
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
EPA AirNow: Are there any subscription costs or fees associated with AirNow.gov?

No. AirNow.gov offers all services, data access, and tools completely free. There are no subscription tiers, fees, or payment options of any kind.

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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