In today’s world, where air pollution is a growing concern, it’s essential to stay informed about the quality of the air we breathe. Fortunately, a variety of smartphone apps can provide real-time air quality data, helping you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protect your health. Here are five of the top-rated apps to keep you breathing easy:   

1. Paku (Free + Subscription)

Paku is a comprehensive app designed to visualize local air quality data. By leveraging the extensive networks of PurpleAir and AirNow (US EPA) monitors, Paku provides real-time insights into both indoor and outdoor air quality. Users can customize their experience by selecting specific monitors or combining both indoor and outdoor data for a holistic view. While Paku offers a free version, the Pro version unlocks a range of premium features, including real-time notifications, access to private sensor data, advanced charting options, and customizable widgets. With annual subscriptions starting at €9.99 or a lifetime unlock for €79.99, Paku offers a robust and flexible solution for monitoring air quality and making informed decisions about personal health and environmental impact.   

Download App: Website

2. Breathe (Free)

Breathe is a user-friendly app that provides real-time air quality information tailored to your specific location. By utilizing data from the Sensor.Community network and the World Air Quality Index Project, Breathe displays air quality monitors within a customizable radius of 0.1 to 10 kilometers. This feature allows users to focus on the air quality directly impacting their surroundings. A unique aspect of Breathe is its ability to calculate average air quality values from multiple monitors within the selected radius, offering a comprehensive overview of local air conditions. Although users can only select one favorite location, the requirement to input GPS coordinates manually might be a minor inconvenience for some. While the app is free, users can support the developer through voluntary tips.

Download App: Website

3. Local Haze (Free + Subscription)

Local Haze is a powerful air quality monitoring app that leverages data from a variety of sources, including the Sensor.Community, PurpleAir, AirNow, US Department of State, AirGradient, and uRADMonitor networks. This diverse data pool enables users to access air quality information from numerous locations worldwide. A standout feature of Local Haze is its transparency regarding data sources. Users can easily identify the origin of data points, allowing them to assess the reliability of information, particularly when considering the potential inaccuracies of low-cost sensors in high-humidity conditions. While the app is free to use, a subscription option for €0.99/month is available for those seeking additional features like real-time notifications and iOS widgets.

Download App: Website

4. IQAir AirVisual (Free)

AirVisual, a veteran in the air quality monitoring app scene, empowers users to explore air quality data from around the globe. With features like favorite places and a world map, users can easily track air quality in specific locations or delve into global trends. The app’s ranking system, highlighting cities with the worst and best air quality, offers a quick snapshot of the current air quality landscape. As of today, Delhi, India, holds the unfortunate distinction of having the worst air quality, with hazardous PM2.5 levels reaching 306 µg/m³. AirVisual’s “Today’s Exposure” feature allows users to monitor their exposure to air pollution based on their indoor and outdoor environments. Integrating data from AirVisual devices enhances the accuracy of the “Today’s Exposure” feature, providing a more precise assessment of individual exposure levels. The app is free, but users can contribute to its ongoing development by purchasing IQAir’s air quality monitors and air purifiers.

Download App: Website

5. Apple Weather (Free)

Apple Weather, a pre-installed app on all iPhones, provides a readily accessible tool for checking local air quality. However, its coverage is limited, primarily encompassing Europe (excluding the Balkans), the United States, India, and Japan. Many regions worldwide lack air quality data within the app. While Apple Weather offers a convenient starting point for assessing air quality, it lacks transparency regarding the specific sources of its data. It is known that Apple relies on BreezoMeter, a provider of air quality data that has since become part of Google, for its air quality information.

Download App: Website

By using these apps, you can take control of your health and make informed decisions about when and where to spend time outdoors. Remember, clean air is essential for good health, so stay informed and breathe easy.

Bonus Widgets

iOS widgets provide a convenient way to access real-time air quality information at a glance. Many air quality apps, such as Breathe and Paku, offer customizable widgets in various sizes. These widgets typically display key metrics like PM2.5 concentration, an index color representing air quality levels, and often include temperature and humidity readings. While some apps, like Local Haze, require a subscription to access their widgets. AirVisual’s widget, for instance, goes beyond basic air quality data by incorporating weather + AQ forecasts, providing a more comprehensive view of environmental conditions. The Apple Weather app employs an “adaptive information” system, which selectively displays Air Quality warnings upon the identification of an issue in the area.