--- title: "The Best Radon Test Kits of 2026, According to Testing" description: "After 5 months of testing, we found the best radon test kits for your home. See our full reviews within this guide." date: "2020-06-10" modified: "2026-01-28" authors: - name: "Timothy Dale" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/timothy-dale/" - name: "Michelle Larson" job_title: "Assistant Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michelle-larson/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-radon-test-kit/" categories: - "DIY" - "Reviews" - "Tools" - "Tools & Materials" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # The Best Radon Test Kits of 2026, According to Testing ![Radon test kit group]() *Photo: Michelle Larson for BobVila.com* Radon test kits detect the presence of radon gas, a byproduct of uranium decay in rock and soil. Radon can enter homes by seeping through cracks in the foundation, slowly accumulating until it reaches dangerous levels. Prolonged exposure to this harmful gas can cause health issues like headaches or even cancer. Radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, making it undetectable without specialized radon testing equipment. These [interior]() safety devices measure radon levels in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) over the course of a few days or months or provide continuous monitoring. Since no level of radon exposure is considered safe, knowing which radon sensor you can rely on is essential. After tapping a home safety expert for insights and testing several popular options, we chose the [Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector]() as the best radon test kit. It’s portable, has an easy-to-read screen, and takes multiple measurements to capture trends. Below, we detail what we like and don't like about this product and the rest of our picks so you can choose one of the best radon test kits to keep your family safe. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector]() [↓*Jump to Review*](<#airthings-corentium-home-radon-detector>) 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [First Alert RD1 Radon Test Kit]() [↓*Jump to Review*](<#first-alert-rd1-radon-test-kit>) 3. **UPGRADE PICK:** [Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor]() [↓*Jump to Review*](<#airthings-view-plus-smart-air-quality-and-radon-monitor>) 4. **BEST SMART:** [Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector]() [↓*Jump to Review*](<#airthings-wave-plus-smart-radon-detector>) 5. **BEST LONG-TERM:** [Ecosense RadonEye Radon Sensor & Detector]() [↓*Jump to Review*](<#ecosense-radoneye-radon-sensor-and-detector>) - ![RadonEye radon test kit during testing]() - ![RadonEye radon test kit first result]() - ![Radon test display screens]() - ![Charcoal radon test kits before mailing]() - ![Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor setup]() - ![Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor humidity reading]() - ![Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector 30-day results]() [][][] ## Radon Test Kits Comparison Chart | **Product Name** | **Type** | **Results** | **Portability** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector]() | Battery-operated device | On device | Portable | | [First Alert RD1 Radon Test Kit]() | 1-time test kit | Lab provided | Portable | | [Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor]() | Battery- or USB-powered smart device | In app and on device | Portable; mounts to wall | | [Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector ]() | Battery-operated smart device | In app and on device | Portable; mounts to wall or ceiling | | [Ecosense RadonEye Radon Sensor & Detector]() | Plug-in device | In app and on device | Portable but requires outlet | ## Our Top Picks After researching dozens of radon test kits and testing a few, we recommend the following six options for their ease of use, accuracy, and value. **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Accuracy **4.8/5**; Value **5/5** The Corentium Home radon detector kit by Airthings is one of the first continuous radon test kits to use batteries, allowing you to take it into any space that needs testing. The clear digital display provides both long- and short-term radon levels, revealing daily fluctuations as well as overall averages. Once you've tested your home for at least 30 days, you can generate a free self-inspection report through the Airthings website. To set up this radon detector, we simply removed a plastic tab and allowed it to calibrate. The device began providing readings in less than 24 hours, though the manufacturer recommends waiting at least 20 days before taking action if levels appear high. This waiting period provides plenty of time for results to stabilize, so you know your readings are reliable. If you want to test another area after your first test is complete, simply reset the unit and move it to the new location. This is an economical yet accurate option for quick results and long-term testing. It was one of the easiest options to set up, delivered initial results in a day, and comes at a reasonable price for those needing ongoing readings. **What our tester says:** "This radon detector makes it so easy to measure radon levels that it's hard to imagine going with another option—unless you need a one-time test or other air quality measurements. For long-term radon levels, though, this is my pick, hands-down."—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer **Get the Airthings Corentium Home radon test kit at** [**Amazon**]()**, [Walmart](), or** [**Airthings**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **4.3/5**; Accuracy **4.5/5**; Value **5/5** The First Alert RD1 home radon test kit is a simple and effective way to detect dangerous radon gas in your home. It essentially functions as a disposable radon detector that you let sit for 2 to 4 days and then send away for results. Results are emailed 3 to 5 days after receipt. This test was incredibly easy to use, but we strongly recommend you read the included instructions since they cover a couple of integral steps. First, you can't leave the kit in the testing area for more than 7 days, and second, the kit must arrive at the lab within 10 days of testing. While these steps aren't difficult, they require you to keep track of how much time has passed—something that can be challenging on busy days. Still, the lab returned results quickly, and the price and accuracy of this radon detection kit are hard to beat for those looking for a one-time, short-term test. **Get the First Alert radon test kit at [Amazon](), [Lowe’s](), or [First Alert]().** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **4.5/5**; Accuracy **4.5/5**; Value **4.5/5** This smart monitor from Airthings makes it easy to check levels of radon, PM2.5 (particulate matter), carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, air pressure, and humidity. It also provides pollen forecasts so those with allergies can stay informed about outdoor conditions. As a continuous radon monitor, this unit has its own display showing current levels, and users can also check the app or Airthings website for long-term readings. It also features a visual indicator with green, yellow, and red status lights for at-a-glance monitoring. The View Plus is compatible with IFTTT, Homey, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa and runs via batteries or the included USB-C cable. You can place it virtually anywhere indoors to test levels in multiple locations or mount it to the wall to ensure continually safe radon levels in a basement​. For a comprehensive overview of air quality in your home, the AirThings View Plus is a great option. It provides more readings than any other option we tested, and the results were accurate after just 7 days of calibration. **Get the Airthings View Plus radon test kit at** [**Amazon**]()**, [Target](), or** [**Airthings**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **4.3/5**; Accuracy **4/5**; Value **4/5** While the Airthings Wave Plus radon and air quality monitor is on the spendy side, it also tests a lot more than just radon. Once set up, this unit provides continuous readings for radon gas buildup, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. Just be aware that the calibration process takes a full 30 days. The Wave Plus radon gas monitor runs on batteries and is easy to mount on a wall or ceiling. Its on-unit color-coded display indicates whether air quality is good (green), fair (yellow), or bad (red). It pairs with the Airthings app via Bluetooth for real-time reading and tips on how to improve indoor air quality. We tested the Wave Plus in a home where radon was previously detected and is being treated. Because of the known radon issue, the homeowners have a professional radon detector, so we were able to compare the readings of the Wave Plus with their professional model. We positioned it in the basement of the home and left it there for a week. Upon our return, we checked the Airthings app and found a radon reading of 3.5pCi/L—exactly what the professional radon detector was showing. When we took the Wave Plus outside in the fresh air, the radon level dropped, and the light turned green to indicate healthy air. We also tested its ability to detect VOCs and CO2. Overall, it’s not just a good radon detector, but also one of the [best air quality monitors](). **Get the Airthings Wave Plus radon test kit at [The Home Depot](),** [**Amazon**](), **or [Airthings]().** **Our Ratings:** Ease of Use **5/5**; Accuracy **4.8/5**; Value **4.5/5** The EcoSense electronic radon detector takes 30 independent counts of pCi/L levels every hour, and the manufacturer states that it delivers the first reading within 10 minutes of setup. We plugged it in, set it on a flat surface to begin collecting data, and waited for a reading. We also downloaded the RadonEye app, which quickly found and paired with our detection unit. In just 10 minutes, we did indeed have our first reading from this radon gas detector. Real-time results are displayed on the unit's OLED screen, and as we checked the app over our 30-day testing period, we saw updated information every 10 minutes alongside our peak value, plus daily and monthly averages. Should peak levels exceed 4 pCi/L, the unit sounds an alarm and sends a notification via the app. **Get the Ecosense radon test kit at [Amazon](), [Walmart](), or [Ecosense]().** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ## How We Tested the Best Radon Test Kits | Products tested | 6 | | --- | --- | | Time spent testing | 5 months | | Tests performed | 5 | | Price range | $15 to $300 | When gathering products for testing, we primarily considered the most important aspects of radon home kits—accuracy and ease of use. We selected a variety of units that make it simple to [test for radon](), choosing a few one-time kits that need to be sent to a laboratory as well as several that offer instant access to results via the unit itself or an app. Based on our initial product research, we selected six radon kits to test and set them together on a shelf in our basement. Each kit remained undisturbed for between 4 days and 30 days, as instructed by the manufacturer. If the kit had a corresponding app, we installed and paired it, and if not, we simply waited the recommended amount of time before mailing it in for results. We then rated each kit based on how easy it was to set up, how accurate its results were, and whether it offered a good value for homeowners looking to test for [cancer-causing radon gas](). ![Radon test kit group during testing]() *Photo: Michelle Larson for BobVila.com* | | **Ease of Use** | **Accuracy** | **Value** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector]() | 5 | 4.75 | 5 | | [First Alert RD1 Radon Test Kit]() | 4.25 | 4.5 | 5 | | [Airthings View Plus Smart Air Quality & Radon Monitor]() | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | | [Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector]() | 4.25 | 4 | 4 | | [Ecosense RadonEye Radon Sensor & Detector]() | 5 | 4.75 | 4.5 | ## What to Consider When Choosing a Radon Test Kit To select one of the best radon kits for your needs, consider test type, accuracy, ease of use, and installation. ### Types of Radon Test Kits A radon test kit will use one of several methods to test the air in your home for elevated radon levels. Regardless of which type of radon monitor you choose, these helpful devices are the only way to determine your family members' exposure to this harmful gas other than a [professional radon inspection](). #### Short-Term Radon Test Kits Radon kits for short-term use collect readings from your home over a 2- to 90-day period and must then be sent to a laboratory for the results to be read. The lab fees necessary for proper testing are likely included with your purchase, though shipping generally costs extra. Because short-term radon test kits are the fastest and least expensive test option, real estate agents often use them to check for [safe radon levels]() before selling a home. However, since radon levels fluctuate, short-term test kits are not the most accurate testing method. For definitive results, long-term testing is necessary. #### Long-Term Radon Test Kits As their name indicates, long-term radon test kits are designed to test levels of [radon gas]() over a longer period, such as weeks, months, or years. Like short-term tests, some are single-use devices that must be sent to a laboratory to be read, though others have screens or Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to monitor levels yourself. Since a long-term radon test kit collects a greater volume of data, periodic spikes that naturally occur are less likely to raise unnecessary alarms, which may happen with more limited readings. The downside of this type of detector is that it will typically be more expensive than a one-time use or short-term kit and may not be necessary if radon levels are consistently lower than 4 pCi/L. #### Alpha-Track Radon Test Kits The alpha-track radon test kit is a long-term test that measures levels of radon using polycarbonate plastic sheets placed in the lowest livable level of the home. If radon gas is present, it will emit alpha particles that create tracks on these sheets, with higher levels of gas producing greater numbers of tracks. Once the test kit has collected data for the suggested amount of time, it is sent in to be read. Generally speaking, alpha-track tests are more accurate than short-term test kits but don't provide the ongoing measurements offered by long-term detectors. #### Charcoal Radon Test Kits Charcoal radon test kits are short-term options that work similarly to alpha-track units, though they use charcoal rather than polycarbonate plastic to measure levels. Generally speaking, they're also cheaper and faster since they only monitor radon gas for between 2 and 90 days. For this reason, they are less accurate since they are susceptible to radon spikes and possible interference during shipping. #### Digital Radon Test Kits Digital radon test kits are also known as radon detectors or radon gas monitors, and they are the most expensive type of radon tester for home use. Most digital units can be mounted to the wall or ceiling, or simply placed in the lowest level of the house. However, installation requirements typically extend well beyond mounting, as most of these kits use Bluetooth connectivity to deliver detailed readings to an app. Some digital kits also offer recent readings directly on the test unit, though their screens aren't often large enough to display the long-term data that makes digital tests so valuable. Further adding to their worth, many digital kits also [test home air quality]() levels of humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and more. ### Accuracy Accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a radon test. Generally speaking, the longer a radon test kit collects data, the more accurate the results will be. This is because increased testing time allows you to determine average pCi/L levels without the influence of random positive or negative spikes. Since short-term radon tests are susceptible to spikes in radon levels that can skew the average, they are considered the least accurate test option. Because they collect more data, long-term and continuous tests are the most accurate radon test kits available. ### Ease of Use and Installation Radon test kits are designed to be easy to use, both for the consumer's benefit and to ensure accurate results. Passive radon test kits, like charcoal and alpha-track test kits, are easy to set up but must be sent to a lab for results. On the other hand, active radon test kits, like digital radon detectors, are a bit more involved in setup but relatively easy to use after that. More advanced smart detectors require additional technical know-how for ongoing use. It's a good idea to consider your radon testing needs and comfort using technology before selecting a test kit. ## FAQs The following section can help answer questions like, "What is radon testing?" or "[How much does a radon mitigation system cost]()?" ## Meet the Tester Michelle Larson is a health- and home-focused writer with over a decade of experience. She specializes in testing and reviewing products that help homeowners and other DIY novices get projects done quickly and well, even if they're also figuring things out as they go. *Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.* ## Author Michelle is a lifelong learner who lives and plays in the mountains of Park City, Utah, with her husband, daughter, and pets. She came to the Commerce team at BobVila.com in February 2022 with more than 5 years’ experience as a business owner, writer, and program manager.