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Airvalent TravelLite Review – Cheaper, but Just as Good?

The first AIRVALENT carbon dioxide monitor (my full review can be found here) was a very exciting device for me to review because, at the time, it was the smallest carbon dioxide monitor I had tried. While I have now tried a couple of smaller monitors, the overall package offered by AIRVALENT remains fantastic. It offers an ultra-small device with a super premium build quality and great connectivity via a responsive app. Really, it is a device with very few downsides. That is until you see the price!

The team at AIRVALENT must have realised this, too, as they’ve now released a second monitor – the AIRVALENT TravelLite. This monitor is a cheaper device that drops the metal casing for an ASA plastic outer shell. While this means the build quality generally feels a bit lower, it also comes with the advantage of making the TravelLite significantly lighter. But of course, the biggest thing that will appeal to most people is the lower price tag.

Now, what makes this device so interesting is that it is otherwise exactly the same as the AIRVALENT CO2 monitor. This means that, besides the lowered build quality, there are no compromises if you decide to purchase this monitor over its more expensive counterpart. This makes the AIRVALENT TravelLite quite an appealing device and it might just offer the best all-around package at this price point.

So, how does the AIRVALENT TravelLite perform, and is it a device that should be considered over the original AIRVALENT CO2 monitor? In my review today, I aim to answer this question and more. Beginning with the sensor technology behind this device and its accuracy, I will cover all of the important aspects of the device that you need to be aware of. If you have any questions remaining after reading the article, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. With that said, let’s get started!


This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please refer to my affiliate disclaimer. I was sent a product for review, but the article is not sponsored. All opinions expressed in this post are my honest thoughts. I only recommend products that I genuinely believe in.

Information on this blog is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information herein with other sources. Furthermore, this information is not intended to replace medical advice from professionals. This website assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, and information is subject to change without notice. Devices mentioned on this website are not medical devices and do not guarantee protection.


Accuracy & Sensor

AIRVALENT TravelLite CO2 Monitor Screen

As I mentioned in the introduction, one aspect that makes the AIRVALENT TravelLite so appealing compared to its more expensive sibling is that it uses the same sensor and, therefore, has exactly the same accuracy despite being cheaper. Being such a small device, very few CO2 sensors suit this application, and AIRVALENT has opted to use the Sensirion SCD41 in both monitors. This ultra-compact photoacoustic NDIR sensor is a well-trusted and reputable sensor that you will find in many carbon dioxide monitors.

To be honest, I didn’t perform my normal level of testing on this device because, by now, I know what to expect from the SCD41. Having tested it in the CO2 Click Model F, SmartAir CO2 Monitor, and a range of other monitors (alongside having a few development sensors & boards at home), I already trust this sensor and know that it’s accurate. However, it does have a few caveats that need to be kept in mind.

Therefore, my main focus was on checking that this device’s output (such as correction algorithms) has remained unchanged compared to the original AIRVALENT monitor, which also features an SCD41. The graph below compares the readings from the original AIRVALENT monitor and my TravelLite monitor, which were calibrated simultaneously and placed next to each other for the duration of the test. The results are five-minute averages.

AirValent CO2 Monitor Accuracy

As you can see, both monitors provided very similar readings even after almost one week of testing. On top of that, any differences appear to be systematic (the AIRVALENT TravelLite tends to read slightly higher in this case), implying that the slight difference that does exist is due to slightly different calibrations.

I still wanted to provide some form of comparison, so I also compared the two AIRVALENT devices to an Aranet4 Home – a device which is considered the gold standard in consumer-level CO2 monitoring. As expected, both AIRVALENT monitors showed very similar readings throughout the 30-hour testing period, and it was actually the original AIRVALENT monitor that showed a bit more variation in its readings. The bottom graph shows 10-minute averages.

AirValent TravelLite Accuracy

The SCD41 features both auto-calibration and manual calibration. Interestingly, however, since my previous AIRVALENT review, it looks like AIRVALENT has actually disabled the automatic calibration feature in the app. While I don’t mind this, as it can cause difficulty for newer users (read the explainer below for more details), it’s an odd choice for a portable monitor that will presumably be going outdoors frequently. Either way, this change is fine in my mind.

💡 Autocalibration: Some carbon dioxide sensors and monitors implement autocalibration, a feature that prevents sensor drift (sensors slowly losing accuracy over time) by regularly calibrating the device.

This can cause issues because, on a set interval, the sensor will perform ABC (automatic baseline calibration), which sets the lowest carbon dioxide concentration the device has been exposed to as the baseline (typically 400 or 420ppm). This isn’t an issue if a monitor is regularly exposed to ambient air (around 420-430ppm). However, suppose the device is in a room or location where the carbon dioxide levels do not reach ambient every calibration cycle (typically seven days). In that case, it can incorrectly set a baseline, which throws off all readings until the next automatic calibration.

If your monitor regularly goes outside or is in a room that often sees ambient or near ambient CO2 levels, ABC can be very useful. If not, I recommend disabling the feature.

You can both manually recalibrate the monitor and factory reset it, which is nice to see. While I’m unsure if AIRVALENT calibrates the sensors itself, I assume that a factory reset takes the calibration back to whatever Sensirion applied out of the factory. I appreciate having both options, and the factory reset can act as a safeguard for anyone who is worried about manually calibrating their device.

With that said, the SCD41 is a bit more challenging to calibrate than traditional (transmissive) NDIR sensors as it can be sensitive to wind, and even a small breeze on the monitor, while it’s calibrating, can cause issues. Therefore, I recommend placing the device in a sheltered location that has as near ambient air as possible. The device should be placed there for a few minutes before calibration, should be calibrated, and then left for a few minutes afterwards. Luckily, the calibration itself takes only a few seconds, and it’s easy to repeat a few times if needed.

In my initial review of the AIRVALENT CO2 monitor, I found the impact of temperature (and likely relative humidity) on this sensor quite interesting. While I now think this might be due to the air pressure change in my testing, it is something you might want to read more about if you’re interested. Here is a link to my initial findings and the discussion that ensued. Either way, the SCD41 and, by extension, the AIRVALENT TravelLite are accurate, and you can trust both for your carbon dioxide readings – just make sure the device is calibrated correctly!


Design

AirValent Original and TravelLite

One aspect that really set the original AIRVALENT CO2 monitor apart from the competition was the design. Not only was it a super-compact monitor (it’s still one of the smallest on the market), but the build quality was outstanding. In my review, I even went so far as to say that it had similar build quality to a high-end smartphone. In particular, it reminds me of one of the older Galaxy S-line smartphones when they used glass on the back of the device.

Unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately – design is the biggest, and only departure that the AIRVALENT TravelLite takes from the more premium model. While it shares almost every feature in common with the pricier device, the build quality feels substantially lower and the material feels more akin to what I would expect from other carbon dioxide monitors. This stands in stark contrast to the almost smartphone-like original AIRVALENT monitor.

On one hand, this build quality was one of the biggest appeals of the previous device for me. On the other hand, the fact that AIRVALENT has only changed the build materials and nothing else, yet is able to offer the TravelLite at a substantially lower price is quite impressive. While the device will no longer win any design awards, it’s still far from a cheap feeling device.

Interestingly, I feel a bit more confident carrying the TravelLite with me. Where the original AIRVALENT CO2 monitor felt a bit fragile due to its exquisite build quality, the cheaper device actually feels a bit more durable as I’m not worried about it shattering if I drop it. On top of this, the fact that it’s a bit more affordable also gives me more peace of mind (it’s still not a cheap device, however).

AirValent Dimensions

While the TravelLite shares the same compact dimensions (50mm by 50mm) of the original AIRVALENT monitor, the ASA plastic also means that it is a bit lighter. In fact, it’s almost half the weight at 28 grams vs 50. That’s more than a bit! Either way, the weight of both monitors is very low so this shouldn’t impact usability at all, but a lighter device is always going to be more convenient to carry and pocket.

Since the dimensions of this device are exactly the same, this also means that there is cross compatibility with the AIRVALENT dock. This dock is sold separately, and it acts as a charging stand. While I feel it is better suited to the more premium monitor (the dock is quite pricey and is also very well built), it will work with the TravelLite, too.

On the bottom of the device is the standard USB Type-C port – something that I’m always happy to see. This port is for charging only, and won’t allow for transferring of data. With that said, since the device has a robust exporting system built into the app, this isn’t a worry to me. Also on the bottom of the device you can find the serial number and some regulatory information.

AIRVALENT TravelLite CO2 Monitor Bottom View

While the screen on this device appears to be the same that features on the AIRVALENT – in other words, a very good, sharp, and contrasty E-ink screen – it’s worth noting that it’s recessed on this device. While this is far from a big deal, it does mean that it’s far easier to get dust trapped around the edges of the screen on the TravelLite. In contrast, the original AIRVALENT monitor has a piece of glass that covers both the display and the complete front of the monitor.

Much to my surprise, the AIRVALENT TravelLite almost appears to have no ventilation at first glance. However, after looking closer, I realised that this device does actually have holes on the back of the case. While these holes are tiny, there are multiple of them to allow air to enter the device for measurement. I haven’t noticed these rather small holes to make any difference to accuracy, and they may actually make calibrating the device easier by protecting the sensor from breezes (but this is just a thought – it may not make any difference).

AIRVALENT TravelLite CO2 Monitor Plastic Case

Overall, I think the design of the AIRVALENT TravelLite is good, and unless you have an original AIRVALENT monitor to compare to, you will likely be more than happy with it. However, having experienced the more premium device, there is a significant difference. Again, that’s not to say the TravelLite has a bad build quality, just that the original device is exceptional in this regard.


Connectivity & App

AirValent App

When I first saw the AIRVALENT App, I was quite impressed by how good it was. At the time, I hadn’t heard of AIRVALENT before, and for them to suddenly catch my attention and have a very high-quality monitor and app was quite a surprise. Now, I’ve been using the app for many months (almost one year!), and I’ve continued to find it straightforward and easy to use. Overall, it’s one of my favourite air quality monitoring apps and we’re lucky to have quite a few good apps among popular carbon dioxide monitors.

Since I already had one monitor attached to my application, I needed to add a second one. This was a very easy process, and when I pressed the button to add a monitor, the device was instantly recognised and ready to be added. Once added, the AIRVALENT TravelLite got added next to my original AIRVALENT monitor, and I’ve found swapping between the devices to be very straightforward.

One small, but quite cool feature that I like about this app is how the device screens shown on the app home screen are identical to what the device itself shows. There is very little delay, and you can even see the status (such as if the device is charging). These small touches make me quite impressed with this app overall and it’s clear that a lot of development work went into it.

The app itself has a few settings, allowing you to set the universal language, temperature unit, and date format that you will see across all monitors on the app. Here, you can also find features for the docking station. While I’m currently unsure exactly what these will be (they don’t appear to relate to the charging station, but an upcoming docking station similar to what Aranet offers), it’s exciting to know more connectivity options might be on the horizon.

By going back to the home screen and tapping on a monitor, you can see both the current data from that device and the historical trends. These graphs can show CO2 concentration, temperature and relative humidity, and they can show user-adjustable periods. I love the ability to see the whole previous month on these graphs if I so want it, and I can also zoom in to see high resolution graphs – especially as the monitor can report data every minute!

AirValent App Settings

There is also an option to export data (also with adjustable periods) via the default iOS or Android sharing menu. This method of exporting is great, and the exported data is in a format that is easily readible by most spreadsheet softwares. If you’re interested in customising your device, you can also head to the settings menu which allows you to rename the monitor, adjust the measurement interval (there are many options here!) and enable and disable alarms and notfications.

Perhaps most interestingly, you can also change the display design on your monitor, meaning you don’t need to use the ’emoji’ face if you don’t want to. While you can’t create your own screen and are limited to a bit over 10 options, I appreciate even this limited customisation and it makes this a great device for children who need a monitor at school.

Finally, through this settings menu you can also update the firmware (I’ve had a few updates on my original device, so this feature is used), calibrate the device, put it to sleep, clear data, or remove the device from your account. Basically, nothing too advanced, but there are also no notable features missing that come to mind.

AirValent App Screenshots

One other thing to note is that I’m quite impressed with the stability of the connection. With a lot of Bluetooth devices, I find that they will drop connection at times, and I often need to wait a few seconds when opening the app for the connection to be found. However, with AIRVALENT, I find that the monitors are always connected and ready to go!

Overall, I appreciate both the app and connectivity of the AIRVALENT TravelLite. There aren’t too many advanced features, but all of the basics are covered and the app is both user-friendly and fluid. I’ve never had it crash despite using it for almost one year, and I think this is a big strength of these monitors.


Pricing & Competition

AirValent TravelLite Pricing

The AIRVALENT TravelLite comes in at just over $100 USD on the official AIRVALENT store. This is a significantly lower price than the original monitor that costs around $150, but which shares the nearly every feature with the more affordable TravelLite. Considering that the technology is exactly the same, a $50 discount at the cost of lower built quality and cheaper materials is quite an enticing offer.

With that said, the original AIRVALENT was a pricey carbon dioxide monitor, with a similar price to the very well-liked Aranet4 Home. While there were some advantages to each monitor, $150 definitely puts both devices in the ‘premium’ segment of the CO2 monitor market. On the other hand, the $100 for the TravelLite (which will likely be discounted even further at times) is a far more compelling offer – at least in my opinion.

For context, the most affordable ‘smart’ CO2 monitor (with connectivity) that I currently recommend is the SmartAir/Qingping CO2 Monitor which costs around $80. However, the AIRVALENT has some significant advantages over this. For one, it’s much smaller and is, therefore, more portable. On top of this, it has better connectivity (Bluetooth as opposed to WiFi), and shares the same sensor. Even devices like the CO2 Click Model F still cost around $150 USD.

This is all to say that, while not cheap, I believe the AIRVALENT TravelLite is quite fairly priced and, at this price point, it’s quite competitive. I think many people will appreciate having this cheaper option as, at the end of the day, having good build quality on a carbon dioxide monitor isn’t particularly important to most customers.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, I would recommend looking at the Vitalight Mini CO2 Detector (for the most affordable option I can currently recommend) or the SmartAir CO2 Monitor. However, neither offer the same all-round package that the AIRVALENT TravelLite does, and I believe many people will appreciate this new monitor from AIRVALENT.


Conclusion

AIRVALENT TravelLite Small CO2 Monitor

I was a fan of the original AIRVALENT monitor when it launched because of just how solid the device was overall. While I found the sensor to have some odd quirks, the biggest downside (by far) was the price. While that isn’t to say that the device is too expensive, it’s more that I believe most customers would prefer a lower cost option with a few compromises – like the build quality. The AIRVALENT TravelLite has achieved just this, and I think this monitor will be a far more compelling device for most people.

For $100, I believe this is one of the best all-round packages you can get when it comes to carbon dioxide monitors. The device has solid connectivity, good battery life, a high-quality sensor, and it’s ultra-portable. The only other consumer-grade carbon dioxide monitor that offers such a solid all-round package is the Aranet4 Home (and the original AIRVALENT monitor, of course). However, that is a significantly pricier device, and with this lower price point, the TravelLite differentiates itself well.

While I will have to continue testing the durability of the device, I believe that even with the ASA plastic build, this device will hold up decently after usage. While you might want to a bit more careful with it than the original AIRVALENT monitor, I don’t believe this will be a big deal for most users.

The one thing that I am curious about is why auto-calibration was removed entirely for this device. While I typically don’t use it myself, I think as a feature that is off by default it makes sense. There definitely needs to be an explainer around the setting, but it can provide convenience for monitors that are frequently taken outdoors (as I imagine most ultra-portable monitors like this will be).

I really don’t have too much negative to say about this device, and that leads to my final conclusion. Where I gave the original AIRVALENT monitor 3.5/5 stars, I believe I can give this monitor 4.5. It’s similarly well-rounded, and lacks nothing technologically when compared to the more pricey monitor despite being 33% cheaper. Overall, I think this is a big win, and it’s great to see another good carbon dioxide monitor on the market.

If you’ve read this through and have any questions, please feel free to comment down below. If you’ve tried the TravelLite yourself, I would also love to hear your thoughts – do you like the device? Every opinion is appreciated, and it would be great to get some more thoughts on this monitor! Thank you for reading.

Pros:
  • Uses the high-quality Sensirion SCD41 sensor for accurate CO2 readings.
  • More affordable than the original AIRVALENT monitor while maintaining the same sensor technology.
  • Lightweight and ultra-portable (28g vs 50g for the original model).
  • Good app connectivity with stable Bluetooth pairing and historical data tracking.
  • Customizable display options and solid app features including data exporting.
  • USB-C charging for easy compatibility with modern cables.
  • Retains most of the premium features of the original AIRVALENT device despite being significantly cheaper.
Cons:
  • Lower build quality due to ASA plastic casing instead of metal.
  • The recessed E-ink screen can trap dust more easily.
  • No automatic calibration feature, requiring manual recalibration.
  • Charging dock is sold separately and is quite expensive.
  • Still relatively expensive compared to some competitors like the SmartAir CO2 Monitor.
  • No data transfer via USB-C (only for charging).

AIRVALENT TravelLite FAQs

What is the main difference between the AIRVALENT TravelLite and the original AIRVALENT CO2 monitor?

The main difference is the build material. The TravelLite uses ASA plastic instead of a metal casing, making it lighter and more affordable while maintaining the same sensor and features.

How accurate is the AIRVALENT TravelLite compared to other CO2 monitors?

The TravelLite uses the Sensirion SCD41 sensor, which is a well-trusted, high-accuracy photoacoustic NDIR sensor. Its readings closely match those of the original AIRVALENT monitor and the Aranet4 Home, a gold standard for consumer CO2 monitors.

Does the AIRVALENT TravelLite have automatic calibration?

No, the automatic calibration feature has been disabled in the app. However, users can manually recalibrate the device or perform a factory reset if needed.

How does the AIRVALENT TravelLite connect to a smartphone?

The device connects via Bluetooth to the AIRVALENT app, which allows users to view real-time CO2 levels, historical data, adjust settings, and export measurement data.

Can I use the TravelLite with the AIRVALENT charging dock?

Yes, the TravelLite is fully compatible with the AIRVALENT charging dock, though the dock is sold separately.

Is the AIRVALENT TravelLite a good value for its price?

Yes, the TravelLite is significantly cheaper than the original AIRVALENT monitor while retaining the same sensor and core features. At around $100, it offers a compelling all-around package compared to other CO₂ monitors in its price range.

Airvalent TravelLite Review - Cheaper, but Just as Good?
AIRVALENT TravelLite CO2 Monitor

The AIRVALENT TravelLite is a compact, affordable CO₂ monitor with a high-accuracy Sensirion SCD41 sensor, Bluetooth connectivity, and a lightweight design - ideal for portable air quality tracking.

Product Brand: AIRVALENT

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Pros

  • Uses the high-accuracy Sensirion SCD41 sensor
  • More affordable than the original AIRVALENT monitor
  • Lightweight and ultra-portable design
  • Stable Bluetooth connectivity with a well-designed app
  • Customizable display options and data export features
  • USB-C charging for convenience
  • Retains most features of the premium model despite the lower price

Cons

  • Lower build quality due to ASA plastic casing
  • Recessed E-ink screen can trap dust
  • No automatic calibration, requiring manual recalibration
  • Charging dock sold separately and is expensive
  • Still relatively expensive compared to some competitors
  • USB-C port only for charging, no data transfer capability

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