The world of air quality monitoring has long been dominated by bulky, desk-bound units. The AirSpot, a revolutionary small CO2 monitor, shatters that paradigm. Given to me by the CEO of The Safer Air Project, this device is not just a monitor—it’s a truly wearable environmental sensor that brings crucial air quality data right to your wrist or backpack.

Design, Portability, and Hardware

The AirSpot’s most immediate selling point is its diminutive size and featherlight weight. Measuring a mere 3.6cm x 4.8cm x 1.15cm and weighing only 17g (0.6 ounces), it is, to my recollection, the smallest CO2 monitor currently available. This size isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the foundation of its usability.

The device’s true genius lies in its ecosystem of accessories. AirSpot is unique in offering a wide range of mounting options, including a wristband that makes it genuinely wearable. I personally prefer the carabiner-style key ring case, which allowed me to easily clip it onto my backpack or belt—perfect for on-the-go monitoring.

The always-on color screen is a major convenience, allowing for CO2 levels to be checked with a quick glance. While the display can be turned off to conserve battery life, its performance is perfectly suited for its primary role: indoor air quality monitoring, where CO2 accumulation is most relevant. Powering the device is a modern USB-C port, with battery life intelligently managed by the display settings and measurement frequency. For notifications, the device includes both a beeper and a vibration feature, the latter being my preferred choice for discreet, silent alerts. While I didn’t heavily utilize the beeper, I recognize its critical value for inclusivity, particularly for the visually impaired.

Unmatched Software Integration and UX

The AirSpot application is exceptionally robust, transforming raw data into accessible, real-time insights. While the device screen offers a small window into historical trends, the app provides full access to comprehensive past measurements and customization options.

However, the defining feature of the AirSpot—and what truly sets it apart from all other air quality monitors I’ve seen—is its deep integration into the Apple ecosystem. The implementation of iOS Live Activities is a game-changer. This feature, which extends across watchOS and macOS, allows the CO2 level and battery percentage to be viewed instantaneously on my Apple Watch or phone’s lock screen without needing to launch the full application. This, coupled with a full suite of highly functional widgets, demonstrates the company’s commitment to making the measurements effortlessly glanceable, prioritizing user experience above all else.

Performance and the Physics Trade-Off

In stable conditions, the AirSpot proved remarkably accurate. Correlation tests against a common CO2 monitor, the aranet4, showed an excellent correlation coefficient of r=0.98. For daily indoor use, in offices, classrooms, restaurants, and homes, its reliability is unquestionable.

The device’s tiny form factor, however, dictates a crucial technical trade-off. AirSpot is not equipped with an atmospheric pressure sensor. This means that when the ambient air pressure changes dramatically, such as during air travel, the CO2 measurements will suffer accuracy without manual compensation. To their credit, AirSpot is completely transparent about this limitation and provides comprehensive documentation on a simple workaround.

This trade-off highlights a design philosophical choice: maximizing portability and accessibility versus achieving perfect scientific accuracy in edge cases. Personally, I might have traded the beeper or vibration feature for a pressure sensor to enable automatic compensation. Yet, as the company notes, product development must always consider an inclusive feature set, a principle that is commendable, even if it introduces a minor technical hurdle.

Final Verdict

The AirSpot is a phenomenal product that delivers on its promise of making CO2 monitoring truly personal and portable. It isn’t just a smaller version of what’s already out there; it redefines how we interact with air quality data through best-in-class software integration.

While I experienced a minor hiccup where some measurements were lost, likely due to a temporary sync interruption, the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. For anyone serious about maintaining optimal indoor air quality and who values seamless, real-time data access, the AirSpot is an essential, highly recommended tool. It’s proof that sometimes, the smallest solutions have the biggest impact.