Looking for a way to monitor CO2 levels on the go? The airCoda pocket CO2 monitor might be your breath of fresh air. This compact device features a photoacoustic NDIR CO2 sensors, a technology known for its small size and accuracy in measuring CO2 concentrations in any environment.

Why the airCoda?

• Pocket-Sized Portability: Unlike bulkier CO2 monitors, airCoda’s small size allows you to easily carry it anywhere. Whether you’re checking CO2 levels in your office, classroom, or even your car, airCoda gives you the freedom to monitor air quality wherever you go.
• Sensor Accuracy: Thanks to the integrated sensor, you can trust airCoda to provide reliable CO2 readings. This is crucial for making informed decisions about ventilation and maintaining healthy air quality.

Technical Characteristics of airCoda

• CO2 Sensor – Photoacoustic NDIR
• VOC Sensor – MOx-based 
• Temperature Sensor
• Relative Humidity Sensor
• Plastic casing
• Weight – 26g (0.9 oz)
• Dimensions – 40 x 60 x 13mm (1.9 cubic inches)
• Bluetooth reception radius – 10m / 32 ft
• USB-C 
• Lithium Battery

App

The app is designed to track the locations and CO2 concentrations in order for the users to retrace their steps and find which locations have high CO2 levels. You can also see your current CO2 concentrations right on the home screen with the VOCs. The VOC indication gives you a percentage of average exposure in the last 24 hours which is useful as well and a clever way to use it.

The calendar tab helps you identify the best and worst days. The app provides a comprehensive way to discover locations in your life that have poor ventilation.

My Thoughts

One thing to consider is that airCoda doesn’t come from a big company or a start-up with lots of funding and employees but from the hard work of one researcher. Although the hardware is solid and I have faced zero issues, the app needs some extra love, especially the location permissions the app is asking in order to work. Temperature and RH readings are not visible to the users because the monitor may measure the temperature of the pocket instead of the ambient temperature and the developer didn’t want to create confusion, but an implementation may be coming soon.

The battery stamina is excellent. It has been running for three weeks now, and it is still at 83%, so no battery anxiety.

I took the airCoda with me on a trip to Canada and measured the CO2 levels in many places (museums, chapels, metro, restaurants, cafes, etc). I barely noticed the monitor inside my jacket pocket because of the small footprint, and I would say Montreal’s metro had the lowest levels of CO2 with good ventilation inside the trains.

The Verdict

Overall, airCoda seems like a promising tool for anyone who wants to take control of their air quality. Its portability and accurate CO2 sensing make it a valuable option for individuals. However, a little more information with additional app features would solidify its appeal.