PurpleAir offers different sensors that can all uniquely suit different needs. Once connected to WiFi, all of these sensors appear on the PurpleAir map, where data can be viewed and shared. With proper installation, PurpleAir sensors are weather resistant. You can view details about each sensor model below and purchase your own sensors here.
You can learn more about what PurpleAir sensors measure and how they work here.
PA-I-Indoor (No longer available)
The PA-I-Indoor comes equipped with a single laser counter and a full-color LED that will glow the color associated with the current air quality (green, yellow, orange, red, purple, maroon). It is designed to sit comfortably on a counter or tabletop. This sensor is specifically meant for use indoors.
PurpleAir Touch
The PurpleAir Touch contains a single laser counter and a full-color LED that will glow the color associated with the current air quality (green, yellow, orange, red, purple, maroon). It is designed to sit comfortably on a counter or tabletop. Double-tapping the sensor will cycle the brightness level through several options. This sensor also includes a BME680 from Bosch. This component is responsible for measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, and total volatile organic compounds (VOC). The VOC readings are currently experimental. This sensor is specifically meant for use indoors.
PurpleAir Classic
The PurpleAir Classic contains two laser counters, whose numbers are compared to each other to return a self-rating Confidence Score. The PurpleAir Classic does not have a full-color LED. This sensor can be used both indoors and outdoors.
PurpleAir Classic SD
The PurpleAir Classic SD is identical to the PurpleAir Classic, with the addition of a microSD card and a real-time clock. While still capable of sending data to the PurpleAir map, this sensor will log its data to the internal SD card, with or without a WiFi connection. To read the data on the SD card, the SD card must be removed and plugged into a computer. This sensor could prove helpful in areas with a poor WiFi connection or serve as a backup if the WiFi connection is lost. This sensor can be used both indoors and outdoors.
PurpleAir Flex
The PurpleAir Flex has two laser counters, allowing the Confidence Score to be reported. It also includes a full-color LED that shines out of the underside of the device. This LED will glow the color associated with the current air quality (green, yellow, orange, red, purple, maroon). The PurpleAir Flex also contains a microSD card logger and a real-time clock, and the data can be viewed the same way as mentioned above for the PurpleAir Classic SD. This sensor also includes a BME688 from Bosch. This component measures temperature, humidity, pressure, and total volatile organic compounds (VOC). The VOC readings are currently experimental. The bracket on the device can be removed easily for quick maintenance on the sensor, and the laser counters are built into a quick-release system, so they are easy to access. This sensor can be used both indoors and outdoors.
PurpleAir Zen
The PurpleAir Zen contains two laser counters and a ring of LEDs that will glow the color associated with the current air quality (green, yellow, orange, red, purple, maroon). It has two bases that can be swapped for indoor and outdoor use. The indoor base is designed to sit comfortably on a counter or tabletop. The outdoor base is designed to be mounted onto a wall or post. Double-tapping the sensor will cycle the brightness level through several options. This sensor also includes a BME688 from Bosch, which is responsible for measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, and total volatile organic compounds (VOC). The VOC readings are currently experimental. The sensor has an SD logger to store offline data but does not come with a micro SD card. The laser counters are built into a quick-release system, so they are easy to access and replace. This sensor can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The full-color LEDs display the air quality color using the US EPA PM2.5 AQI scale.
Learn More
Learn what to do to set up your new PurpleAir sensor.
Learn more about air quality and the basics of air quality monitoring.
Learn more about sensor area coverage.
Learn more about what PurpleAir sensors measure and how they work.