PurpleAir PIXEL - The World's Smallest Air Quality Monitor
14 reviews
Regular price
$139.00
Sale price
$139.00
Sale
*The PIXEL currently has a lead time of approximately 2 weeks.
Featuring the Bosch BMV080, the world's smallest particulate matter PM2.5 detector, this revolutionary new type of air quality sensor has no moving parts. Using convection, air moves gently through the sensor, so it is absolutely silent. The multi-colored LED lights illuminate with the color of the AQI, providing immediate and at-a-glance particulate (PM2.5) air quality readings.
Powered by USB, this simple device has no WiFi or Bluetooth, which ensures plug-and-play simplicity with no additional setup required.
Specifications
Power consumption
~ 0.5 watts (0.1A @5V)
Power source
USB A
Output format
Full-colored LEDs display US EPA AQI colors
Optional data out
USB Serial
User button
Cycles through brightness settings
Ambient light detector
Adjusts brightness based on ambient light intensity
To use your PurpleAir PIXEL, plug it into a USB port. Make sure you insert it the right way. If it doesn't light up, take it out, turn it over, and try plugging it in again.
Press the button located on the flat side of the PIXEL to cycle through the available brightness settings from off to full brightness.
Note: When choosing a place for your PurpleAir PIXEL, make sure the air duct is clear of obstructions to get the best performance.
PLEASE NOTE: The PIXEL is a standalone sensor and does notconnect to the PurpleAir Real-Time Map. Data is accessible via the USB port and may be uploaded by future software.
Four stars only because it only works as designed: The actual fulfillment of purpose is more nuanced:
* If it had a male USB-C could it just be plugged into a phone?
* How much more expense or increase in form factor would there be if it displayed numbers instead of or in addition to colors? Colored numbers? This is obviously critical because AQI 49 is green and 99 Is yellow, etc. (I like that blends colors as with the rest of the PA communication system.) I see a review that mentioned this issue from 10 months ago...
* The unit seems strong and solid, perhaps even if dropped... The weak point of course is the USB... Some type of tiny protector for it would be great... A custom case?... I would love to wear it around my neck, could be beneficial for the brand if it's colored purple...
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There's a larger issue of course which is the responsibility of EPA: the current rating and color scale is completely inadequate as it simply makes things seem better than they are. A small part of the reason is that the colors abruptly shift, and I appreciate that you guys do that blending thing. But according to EPA, AQI 62 is at the safer end of Moderate... 62 is also the recommended maximum by the WHO for 24 hours of exposure.
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Nathaniel Parker
Super Useful
I need to be able to check air quality around town on the go. I can easily jack this into my notebook at different places around town and instantly check the air quality. With the PurpleAir tools app, I can also gather the real-time readings and logs should I need them.
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CHRISTIAN GARTNER
Smoke Report from Winnipeg Canada
An air quality health index search in Google brought me to purple air.com. I was amazed at the map presentation of the air quality. The summer in Winnipeg this year has been extremely smokey. I bought the unit to measure & monitor interior home air quality. Using a portable USB battery pack I was also able to monitor outside and in the car. It verified the inside of my car air is also know better than ambient despite a new premium cabin air filter. I’m very happy to purchase this device I would recommend anyone get it. Chris G. in Winnipeg Canada, 01 Aug/ 2025.
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Chris in Westwood Winnipeg Canada
Perfect Portable Gismo/ Winnipeg Canada
Got one recently due to the continued wildfire smoke from the north part of the country. Attaching it to a portable USB power pack/battery allows outside and in car readings. I figured my car’s interior air filter wasn’t doing much to remove smoke and this device verified that assumption. It’s somewhat pricey with the currency exchange but I highly recommend it. The planets air ain’t gonna get any better so it’s a worthwhile lifetime investment. Mask up folks. Hopefully the air quality will improve this winter!
Chris in Winnipeg Canada, 19 July 2025.
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Michael Winger
Needs to be portable to take on long distance biking or hiking trips.
I'm hoping I can take it on my bicycle to check the air quality when I tide .I purchased a lithium battery with USB port
