Airthings Wave Plus vs View Plus (2026): Which Should You Buy?
Both are excellent radon monitors from Airthings, but they target different needs. Here's exactly which one is right for you.
⚡ Quick Answer
Choose Wave Plus ($229) if: You want excellent radon detection + air quality monitoring at the best value, don't need WiFi connectivity, and are okay syncing via Bluetooth.
Choose View Plus ($299) if: You want WiFi connectivity, real-time remote monitoring, a visual display, PM2.5 particle detection (for wildfire smoke, allergies), and plan to use it as a hub for other Airthings devices.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Wave Plus | View Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229 | $299 |
| Radon Detection | ✅ Yes (passive diffusion chamber) | ✅ Yes (passive diffusion chamber) |
| CO2 Sensor | ✅ SenseAir Sunrise (best in class) | ✅ NDIR sensor (good) |
| PM2.5 (Particle) Sensor | ❌ Not included | ✅ Yes (detects wildfire smoke, pollen, allergens) |
| VOCs (Chemicals) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Temperature & Humidity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Air Pressure | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Total Sensors | 6 sensors | 7 sensors |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth only (30ft range) | WiFi + Bluetooth |
| Remote Monitoring | ❌ No (unless paired with View Plus hub) | ✅ Yes (from anywhere via app/web) |
| Visual Display | ❌ No (wave to see color indicator only) | ✅ Yes (e-ink display shows readings) |
| Acts as Hub | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (when plugged in, connects other Wave devices to WiFi) |
| Power | 2 AA batteries (18-month life) | 3 AA batteries (2-year life) OR USB-C plug-in |
| Smart Home Integration | ✅ Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (limited) | ✅ Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (full integration) |
| Best For | Single-room radon + air quality monitoring, best value | Multi-room systems, wildfire areas, tech enthusiasts, remote monitoring |
1. Radon Detection: Equally Accurate
Both the Wave Plus and View Plus use the same radon detection technology: a passive diffusion chamber. This means they're equally accurate for measuring radon levels in your home.
Radon accuracy: Both provide your first 24-hour average after one day, but wait 7 days for the sensor to calibrate fully. For actionable results, wait 30 days of continuous monitoring.
Bottom line: If radon detection is your primary concern, both devices will give you identical results. The difference is how you access and monitor that data.
2. CO2 Monitoring: Wave Plus Wins Slightly
Interestingly, the cheaper Wave Plus actually has a better CO2 sensor than the View Plus.
Wave Plus: Uses the SenseAir Sunrise sensor, which is SenseAir's top-of-the-line CO2 sensor (also found in the $300+ Aranet4 Home monitor).
View Plus: Uses a standard NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infra-Red) CO2 sensor from Cubic, which is good but not quite as precise.
Winner: Wave Plus for CO2 accuracy (though both are excellent for home use).
3. PM2.5 Detection: View Plus Only
This is the biggest hardware difference between the two monitors.
View Plus adds PM2.5 detection, which measures fine particulate matter in the air. This sensor detects:
- Wildfire smoke: Critical if you live in California, Oregon, Washington, or areas affected by forest fires
- Pollen and allergens: Helps track seasonal allergies and air quality
- Dust and pollution: From traffic, construction, or urban environments
- Cooking smoke: Detects when you burn dinner or cooking produces particulates
Why this matters: PM2.5 particles are small enough to reach deep into your lungs and can cause both short-term discomfort (irritation, coughing) and long-term health risks (respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems).
Choose View Plus if: You live in wildfire-prone areas, have allergies or asthma, or care about air pollution from traffic/urban environments.
4. Connectivity: This Is the Game-Changer
The connectivity difference fundamentally changes how you use each device.
Wave Plus (Bluetooth Only)
- How it works: Syncs data to the Airthings app only when your phone is within 30 feet via Bluetooth
- Data updates: Manual only—open the app and pull to refresh
- Notifications: Only when you manually sync (not real-time)
- Remote access: None (unless you pair it with a View Plus acting as a hub)
- Best for: People who check their data occasionally, don't need instant alerts, and are home regularly
View Plus (WiFi + Bluetooth)
- How it works: Connects to your home WiFi and syncs data continuously every few minutes
- Data updates: Automatic and real-time
- Notifications: Instant alerts when air quality drops (even when you're not home)
- Remote access: Check your air quality from anywhere via app or web dashboard
- Hub functionality: When plugged into power (USB-C), it acts as a hub for your Wave devices, bringing them online too
- Best for: People who want real-time monitoring, travel frequently, or have multiple Airthings devices
💡 Pro Tip: Build a Multi-Room System
If you want to monitor multiple rooms, buy one View Plus + multiple Wave Plus devices. The View Plus acts as a WiFi hub for all your Wave devices, giving you remote access to everything from a single app. This is much cheaper than buying multiple View Plus units.
5. Display: View Plus Wins
Wave Plus: No display. Wave your hand in front of it to see a color-coded LED (green = good, yellow = fair, red = poor). That's it.
View Plus: Has an e-ink display that shows up to 4 measurements at a time. You can customize which sensors are displayed, and the screen updates automatically when any reading goes outside the safe zone.
Why this matters: With View Plus, you can glance at the monitor and see actual numbers (radon: 1.8 pCi/L, CO2: 650 ppm, PM2.5: 12 µg/m³, etc.). With Wave Plus, you only get a color and need to open the app to see details.
Choose View Plus if: You want to see your air quality data at a glance without opening your phone.
6. Price & Value: Wave Plus Wins
Wave Plus: $229 — Best value for radon + air quality monitoring
View Plus: $299 — $70 more for WiFi, display, PM2.5, and hub functionality
Is the $70 premium worth it? Here's how to decide:
- For most people: Wave Plus is the better value. You get excellent radon detection + 5 other sensors at $229.
- Upgrade to View Plus if you:
- Live in wildfire-prone areas (PM2.5 detection is critical)
- Want real-time remote monitoring from your phone
- Plan to build a multi-room system (use View Plus as the hub)
- Prefer seeing data on a display vs opening an app
Who Should Buy What?
Choose Wave Plus If:
- ✅ You want the best value ($229 vs $299)
- ✅ Radon detection is your primary concern
- ✅ You're okay syncing via Bluetooth when home
- ✅ You don't need PM2.5 detection (no wildfire concerns)
- ✅ You check your data occasionally, not constantly
- ✅ You want the best CO2 sensor (SenseAir Sunrise)
- ✅ Single-room monitoring is enough
Choose View Plus If:
- ✅ You want WiFi and real-time remote monitoring
- ✅ You need PM2.5 detection (wildfires, allergies, pollution)
- ✅ You want a visual display showing actual readings
- ✅ You're building a multi-room system (hub capability)
- ✅ You want instant alerts when air quality drops
- ✅ You travel frequently and want to check air quality remotely
- ✅ You value convenience and are willing to pay $70 more for it
The Verdict
For most people, Wave Plus is the better buy. You get excellent radon detection, superior CO2 monitoring, and 4 other sensors for $70 less.
Upgrade to View Plus only if you specifically need WiFi connectivity, PM2.5 detection, or plan to build a multi-room monitoring system.
Best multi-room setup: 1 View Plus (as hub) + 2-3 Wave Plus devices in other rooms = full-home coverage with remote monitoring at the lowest cost.
Where to Buy Airthings Wave Plus
🎁 Best Deal: Buy Direct from Airthings
Regular Price
$229.00
Your Price with Code
$206.10
Save $22.90 (10% off)
💳 Use code at checkout:
HOMEHAZARDS-10OFFOr buy on Amazon (full price):
View on Amazon →Note: Amazon price is typically $229-299 without discount code
Where to Buy Airthings View Plus
🎁 Best Deal: Buy Direct from Airthings
Regular Price
$299.00
Your Price with Code
$269.10
Save $29.90 (10% off)
💳 Use code at checkout:
HOMEHAZARDS-10OFFOr buy on Amazon (full price):
View on Amazon →Note: Amazon price is typically $299 without discount code
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Wave Plus without WiFi?
A: Yes! Wave Plus is Bluetooth-only and doesn't require WiFi. You sync it with the Airthings app on your phone when you're within 30 feet. This is actually a benefit if you're privacy-conscious or don't want another WiFi device on your network.
Q: Can I check Wave Plus data remotely?
A: Not by itself. However, if you have a View Plus, you can pair your Wave Plus with it (when the View Plus is plugged into power). The View Plus acts as a WiFi hub and brings your Wave Plus online, giving you remote access through the Airthings app.
Q: Which one is more accurate for radon?
A: They're equally accurate. Both use the same passive diffusion chamber technology for radon detection, so radon readings will be identical between the two devices.
Q: Do I need PM2.5 detection?
A: It depends on your location and health concerns. You likely need PM2.5 if you: live in California, Oregon, Washington, or areas with wildfires; have allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues; live near busy roads or in urban areas with air pollution; or want comprehensive air quality monitoring beyond radon.
Q: Can I wall-mount both devices?
A: Yes, both can be wall-mounted or placed on a flat surface. They come with mounting hardware.
Q: How long do batteries last?
A: Wave Plus: ~18 months on 2 AA batteries. View Plus: ~2 years on 3 AA batteries (or plug in with USB-C for unlimited runtime).
Q: What's the best multi-room setup?
A: Buy 1 View Plus + multiple Wave Plus devices. Plug the View Plus into power so it acts as a WiFi hub. Pair your Wave Plus monitors to the View Plus. Now you have remote access to all devices via the Airthings app/web dashboard, and you saved hundreds vs buying multiple View Plus units.
Final Recommendation
Wave Plus ($229) is the best choice for 90% of people. You get elite radon detection, superior CO2 monitoring, and 4 other sensors for excellent value.
View Plus ($299) is worth the upgrade if you need WiFi connectivity, PM2.5 detection, a visual display, or plan to build a multi-room system.
Can't decide? Start with Wave Plus. If you later realize you need remote monitoring or PM2.5 detection, you can always add a View Plus and use it as a hub for your Wave Plus.