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8 min readIn years past, radon tests required lab fees, postage, and a lot of waiting (which is tough with something as dangerous as radon). That’s why we chose smart radon detectors like the Radon Eye RD200, AirThings 2960 View Plus, and AirThings Corentium for our top spots.
These radon test kits conduct long-term tests and instant readings of radon concentration in your home. The Radon Eye RD200 provides a quick reading within 10 minutes of setup and a more accurate reading after 1 hour—pretty fast considering the 72-hour wait for lab results.
January is National Radon Action Month
Testing for radon may not have been on your list of to-dos for January, but it’s a good time to double check that your home is safe from this poisonous gas.
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, but the good news is that it's one health hazard that's easy to address. Learn more about the dangers of radon and what you can do to detect it and get rid of it. #TestYourNest
Best radon detectors
- : Best overall
- : Best smart radon detector
- : Best digital radon test
- : Best for long- and short-term testing
- : Budget pick
Where radon is common
Radon is radioactive, and the highest concentrations can be found below-ground levels without much ventilation such as basements, crawlspaces, foundations, sump pumps, and construction joints. There are pockets of radon across the country, but some states have higher levels than others.
Compare the best radon detectors
Product | Best for | Price | Long-term detection | Lab results required | Readings display | Wait time for first reading | Learn more |
Best overall | $174.00 |  Yes |  No | Yes | 10 mins | View on Amazon | |
Best smart radon detector | $298.00 | Yes | No | No | 1 hour | View on Amazon | |
Best digital test | $165.00 | Yes | No | Yes | 24 hours | View on Amazon | |
Best for long- and short-term testing | $174.54 | Yes | No | Yes | 48 hours | View on Amazon | |
Budget pick | $45.08 | No | Yes | No | 72 hours | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer.
Video: My neighbor has radon, should I be worried?
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Radon and the EPA
While you can find information about radon on the EPA’s website, the organization does not have an official program for approving radon measurement devices. That's why it could be a good idea to get a home inspector to verify your results if you consistently measure high.
We reached out to the EPA and learned that, “there are, however two-privately-run national radon programs that maintain public lists of approved devices.”
Check out the National Radon Proficiency Program and National Radon Safety Board for yourself to learn more.
Best radon detector reviews
1. Radon Eye RD200: Best overall
Best Overall
The Radon Eye RD200 tops our list for its fast, accurate readings. After setting up this radon detector, you’ll get your initial reading within the first 10 minutes with a more accurate reading appearing within the next 60. While that might sound like a long wait, many lab tests and other digital radon detectors can take several days to produce an accurate reading.
This radon detector may seem expensive at first glance, but it comes with some serious credibility. The ion chamber within the RD200 was validated by the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science at the University of Michigan.
Pros
First reading in 10 minutes
Continuous radon measurement
Easy level readings through app and LED display 
Cons
No average level reading
Expensive The RD200 is a continuous radon monitor that checks the air 30 times per hour and updates its readings every 10 minutes. You can check the radon concentration in your home on the device’s digital screen or the device’s app.
If levels reach dangerous heights, you’ll be alerted by the RD200’s alarm or within the app. We recommend giving this detector and others plenty of time to read the air in your home before acting quickly. The longer you leave a radon detector out, the more accurate the readings generally become.
If you’ve moved to a new home in an area with high radon concentration, this is an investment worth making. With its detailed readings and easy setup, the initial $200 for this radon detector is well worth the money.
2. AirThings 2960 View Plus: Best smart radon detector
Best smart radon detector
The AirThings 2960 View Plus is a small, oval radon detector with a lot of smarts inside. It runs on good old-fashioned batteries but uses Bluetooth to connect to the AirThings app and other devices you may have in your home like your Amazon Echo or Google Assistant. The AirThings 2960 Wave Plus also works with IFTTT.
Unlike the older version, this Wave Plus has a display. That's a nice touch since opening an app isn't always the most convenient thing. Plus, the display is customizable, so you can get the information you're most interested in.
Pros
Connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Shows readings with simple display
Provides current and past readings in AirThings app
Works with the AirThings hub Cons
Pricier Part of what makes this radon detector so smart is its ability to detect other kinds of environmental issues in your home, including air quality, carbon dioxide, VOCs, humidity, temperature, air pressure, and even pollen. That's why we chose the Wave Plus over the Wave and Wave Mini.
In the past, radon detectors weren’t the sexiest devices in your home. But the AirThings Wave combines smart features with beautiful design to keep your family safe from the ground up.
3. AirThings Corentium: Best digital radon test
Best digital test
The Corentium Home Radar Detector by AirThings looks like a vintage cell phone and runs a little under $200. But, with that cash, you get a portable device that provides long and short-term readings for radon concentration.
Because it’s battery-operated and so small, you can place it anywhere in the house for a quick reading or compare levels throughout your property.
Pros
Get readings quickly
Long- and short-term readings
No lab fees Cons
Expensive
No app or third-party connections The AirThings Corentium even works in dusty and humid conditions like your crawl space or basement (where radon tends to collect the most). Because you get your readings instantly, you won’t need to pay for lab fees or postage stamps to send it off.
However, this radon detector isn’t as fast with its readings as our top two choices. The specifications say you get the best results after 24 hours of the detector sitting in place. But this isn’t uncommon in devices like it. Overall, we recommend giving any detector you use plenty of time to get the most accurate reading.
4. SafetySiren Pro4: Best for long- and short-term tests
Best for long- and short-term tests
The SafetySiren Pro4 Radon Detector costs more than most on our list, but it has the features to justify the price. Instead of a one-time monitoring sample, the SafetySiren takes air samples continuously and displays the new results every hour on a backlit LCD screen.
Pros
Continuous readings
Clear, easy-to-read display Cons
Steep price Think of this radon detector like a smoke or carbon monoxide detector but for radioactive material. If you've already tested your home for radon and found higher levels, having a device like this can help you keep an eye on the threat.
5. First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit: Budget pick
Quick Test Pick
First Alert offers an affordable, easy setup and fast analysis. The company delivers test results and a detailed action plan within five to seven days of receiving your radon sample. This is a great kit for home buyers since it is so affordable, but it does need two to four days to test radon levels.
Pros
Under $60 Cons
Fees differ for New Jersey residents
Lab fees and postage required
Tests in 2-4 days You are responsible for the return postage costs, and the price does not include the lab fee costs for New Jersey residents.
Where to put a radon detector
The detector placement and length of the test depend on the type of radon detector you choose. For the best results, be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by decaying elements underground.1 It enters your home through cracks in the foundation and walls in areas like your basement. So it’s best to place your radon test kit or radon detector at the lowest level of your home.
- If testing short-term radon concentration, be sure to close all doors and windows before and during the test.
- Avoid humid areas like your bathroom or laundry room to avoid malfunctions.
- Crawlspaces, construction joists, and sump pumps can create false positives or incorrectly high results.
- Document the test by writing down the start date and time of the test, especially if the test takes over 72 hours.
- Follow all instructions for the radon detector or radon test for the most accurate results.
Types of radon detectors
Some areas are more vulnerable to radon than others. This EPA map shows the highest levels in northern states like Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Iowa.
If you live in or are moving to one of these areas, start with an inexpensive short-term test. Depending on your findings, you can invest in a full radon detector to monitor levels.
To learn more about radon testing, we reached out to the EPA. Our contact told us there are two main types of radon testing devices—passive radon testing and active radon testing.
Passive radon testing
Passive radon testing is generally less expensive and includes long- and short-term devices like these.
- Charcoal canisters
- Alpha-track detectors
- Charcoal liquid scintillation devices
- Electret ion chamber detectors
These types of radon tests don’t require power because they use chemical or electromagnetic methods to sense radon in the air.
If you’re just starting with your radon tests, we recommend trying these first because of the low price. Depending on the results you get, you may want to contact a radon professional to help or opt for an active test to continuously monitor radon levels.
Active radon testing
Active radon testing devices, on the other hand, usually require power to function and offer hourly readings. “These include continuous radon monitors and continuous working level monitors” and tend to cost more. Many of the radon tests we included in our lineup fall under this category.
Hire a professional
Have a specific question about radon in your home or area? You can find a radon professional in your state.
- Check out this map to find the organization in your state.
- Search in your area through the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) database.
- Local contractors and user reviews are also available on Thumbtack.
Final word
Whether you’re concerned about radon levels in your basement, crawl space, or regular living areas, the Radon Eye RD200 is the best long-term solution.
It’s pricier than the rest on our list, but its readable LCD screen, frequent display updates, and app access make this detector worth it.
Radon FAQ
Radon detectors measure levels in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) to indicate the average, year-round radon levels. If your home measures between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L, consider taking steps to reduce radon levels.
Any result above 4pCi/L should be confirmed with a follow-up test. If the result remains high, take immediate action to reduce the radon levels in your home.
Radon is a byproduct of uranium, which is found naturally in soil. As uranium decays, it releases radioactive particles of radon called radon daughters (or alpha particles), which can then seep in through tiny cracks in your foundation or walls and into your air.
Place your radon detector in the lowest level of your home in an area without ventilation or airflow. Follow the test’s setup instructions, then leave the area undisturbed until the test is done. Remember, the longer you leave the test out, the better results you’ll have.
Your radon detector is designed to find out how much radon you’re being exposed to on a daily basis, so keep it nearest the lowest level areas where you and your family spend the most time.
Once you know your levels are higher than the recommended amount, your first step is to find a contractor qualified in radon mitigation. Contact your state radon office for a list of contractors in your area. You can also search for a qualified radon mitigation contractor on Thumbtack. Once you select a contractor, they will usually begin by sealing any cracks or crevices in your foundation. Then, they’ll install a mitigation ventilation system to help air better circulate and reduce the risk of radon inside your home.
Because few cases of radon contamination are the same, each one will have a different price tag. But on average, you can expect to pay at least $500 for basic mitigation services, and possibly more if you have a trickier situation.
The National Cancer Institute cites radon as a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke, causing somewhere between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths annually.2 Anyone who smokes and is also around higher radon levels are at an elevated risk of developing lung cancer.
Keep in mind that not everyone who is exposed to high levels of radon will get lung cancer. According to the EPA, only about 4% of nonsmokers will get lung cancer from radon exposure, even from greatly elevated levels of the gas.
Radon isn’t picky about where it shows up. Any building—a home, school, office, store, or warehouse—is susceptible to radon contamination.
How we reviewed radon detectors
Before reviewing radon detectors, we learned the science behind this radioactive gas, how it affects humans, how it gets into homes, and how radon tests and detectors work. All the videos, articles, and digging gave us a better understanding of what makes a quality radon detector or radon test.
After we got the science down, we compared different tests and detectors side by side based on factors like waiting time for the first reading, alert modes, and displays.
See how we apply our own scientific method in reviews like this and more from the Safewise methodology page.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- Environmental Protection Agency, “What is radon?” Accessed April 17, 2024.
- National Cancer Institute, “Radon and Cancer,” Reviewed December 6, 2011. Accessed April 17, 2024.
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