Top 15 best alkotester: rating 2021-2022 year and what to choose for personal use

A household breathalyzer is an indispensable device in some cases, so many people buy it for home use. The 2021-2022 Breathalyzer is often part of the home medicine cabinet.

One of its main purposes, for example, is to find out whether you can get behind the wheel if you had a meal the night before.

If the idea of having this helper at home seems tempting, we tell you how to choose it and which models in the price/quality ratio are trustworthy.

Rating TOP 15 best breathalyzers 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
Top 4 best personal breathalyzers for price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Inspector AT750	Learn price
2	Inspector AT850	Learn the price
3	Inspector AT550	Learn more about the price
4	Infracar AT-101	Learn the price
Top 4 best semi-professional breathalyzers
1	ALCOSCAN AL-1100	Learn the price
2	DRIVESAFE II	Learn the price
3	Dingo E-010	Ask the price
4	Dingo SCREEN	Learn the price
Top 4 best professional breathalyzers
1	AlcoHunter Professional +	Learn the price
2	META GIBDD 01	Learn the price
3	AlcoHunter Professional X	Learn the price
4	Alcotector Mark V.	Learn the price
Top 3 best inexpensive breathalyzers
1	Inspector AT500	Learn the price
2	Inspector AT100	Learn the price
3	Delta AT-550	Find out the price

How to choose a Breathalyzer?

The first thing to consider is the price: devices costing up to 3000 rubles usually show results with a large margin of error.

The most accurate indicators will give breathalyzers priced in the area of 10 thousand rubles and above.

You should also pay attention to the following parameters:

Measurement accuracy (error);
the time to prepare the device for work;
response time;
range of indicators;
operating temperature (if you plan to use the device outdoors);
number of measurements per battery charge;
presence of light indication of charge;
presence or absence of mouthpiece;
warranty period;
Availability of self-testing and self-cleaning systems.

Top 4 best personal breathalyzers by price/quality for 2021-2022

In 2021-2022, a home breathalyzer is not that uncommon. It is purchased to test troubled teens, monitor the recovery of people with alcohol addiction and make sure that the morning after a party you can already get behind the wheel.

Inspector AT750

Compact breathalyzer Korean manufacturer with a stylish case, lightweight and neat, suitable as a gift.

To understand the operation is simple: the instruction manual in Russian contains clear recommendations.

Menu, power and display buttons are illuminated. The display also shows the battery charge indicator. To work properly the device needs two "little" batteries (AAA) and 15 seconds of time, and it takes only 5 seconds to purge the Alcolock before the next measurement.

Measuring range: 0 to 1.12 ppm. The device is equipped with sound and light indication as well as auto power off function. Comes with 6 mouthpieces.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical;
nozzle: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 15 sec;
blowing time: 5 sec;
step: 0.01 ppm;
operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

Advantages of

high-precision
build quality;
easy operation;
rapid heating;
reasonable price.

Minuses

few mouthpieces in the kit.

Inspector AT850

Another lightweight Korean Alcomer with an interesting design. The device shows near-true The device shows near-true results with high accuracy: The measurement, including preparation for the test, takes no more than one minute.

Two AA batteries are required for normal operationА. The uniqueness of the Alcolock is the measurement unit mg/l, as well as the wide range of measurements - 0 - 4 ppm.

Includes device itself, 3 nozzles and clear instruction in Russian.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical;
mouthpiece: yes;
preparation time for the measurement: 35 с.;
operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

Pros of

inexpensive
wide measurement range;
easy to use;
fast measurements.

Cons

only 3 mouthpieces in the set;
no backlight.

Inspector AT550

Handy, small and very lightweight (51 g) unit powered by two AAA batteries, sound and visual indication, battery charge indicator and self-timer.

The breathalyzer takes 35 seconds to prepare, and after a 6-second purge, you must wait 2 minutes for the next test.

The device has a wide measurement range of 0 - 4.4 ppm. The measurements are accurate, expressed in mg/L.

The device is very simple and clear: the display has 3 light indicators, one of which shows that it is ready to work, one warns that the battery is low, and the third that the figures are exceeded and you can not sit behind the wheel.

Under the indicators is a power button.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical;
nozzle: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 35-120 с.;
blowing off time: 6 s;
operating temperature: 5 - 40 °C.

Advantages:

build quality;
light indication;
easy operation;
high testing accuracy;
low price.

Disadvantages

few interchangeable mouthpieces in the kit;
calibration is required after 500 tests.

Infracar AT-101

Personal breathalyzer of domestic production in a rugged metal casing with a memory effect: the device is able to memorize the last 48 measurements memory effect: the device can memorize 48 last measurements.

The device shows the test result in ppm and mg/l, equipped with sound and visual indication, battery charge indicator and auto-off function.

Measuring range is 0 - 4 ppm and it can be used within the ambient temperature range of 0 - 40 degrees.

It takes only 10 seconds to get ready for the first measurement, and 45 seconds to get ready for each subsequent measurement.

The device not only produces dry numbers on the display, but also informs how much you need to sleep before getting behind the wheel.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical;
mouthpiece: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 10-45 sec;
step: 0.001 ppm;
operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

Pros of

holds a good charge;
voice notification;
measurement accuracy;
high accuracy;
memory effect.

Cons

high price;
One button for all actions.

Top 4 best semi-professional breathalyzers

Semi-professional breathalyzers are also suitable for home use. They can be had, for example, by those whose work is connected with driving a car, but it should be understood that such devices are an order of magnitude more expensive.

ALCOSCAN AL-1100

Among analogues, this device can be called a budget. Its weight is 180 grams, it looks externally it is quite large, but nice.

For the convenience of use, a lanyard for wearing on the wrist is attached to the body.

In the central area is an area for testing, under it - three light indicators that show the level of alcohol vapor in exhaled air.

Because of the semiconductor measurement system, the device can also respond to other compounds, such as ketones.

It takes 120 seconds for the first test, but only 10 seconds for subsequent tests.

Very fast purging (2 seconds) and the number of measurements per day (up to 50) are the main advantages of the Alcolock. Also it is easy to use even without studying the manual.

Specifications:

Sensor: solid-state;
no mouthpiece;
preparation time to the measurement: 10-120 s;
blowing off time: 2 s;
operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

Advantages of

quick purging;
minimum interruption between successive measurements;
high accuracy;
sound and light indication.

Cons

no mouthpiece;
semiconductor sensor.

DRIVESAFE II.

Breathalyzer with 5% error, easy to handle and short intervals between measurements.

Mini and lightweight, works with two AA batteries, quickly "recharges" for repeat tests.

The device works in the range of 0 - 9.99 ppm and allows up to 50 measurements per day.

Test results are reported in light and visual formats. It also provides auto shut-off and battery charge indication.

Technical specifications:

sensor: electrochemical;
nozzle: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 30-60 с.;
blowing off time: 5 s;
operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

Advantages of

high precision
Measurements in ppm and mg/l;
fast purging;
Up to 50 measurements per day.

Cons

high price.

Dingo E-010

Reliable small-format device with an interesting design, ease of operation and use.

On the central panel on top there is a large display, which displays the results of the test and instructions about the readiness of the device to measure (for example, Wait).

The Breathalyzer is charged with 2 AAA batteries. After turning it on it takes 60 seconds to start the measurement. Blowing takes only 4 seconds.

Up to 40 measurements can be taken per day.

The advantages of the device - a wide range of measurements (0 - 4 ppm), sound and light indication, as well as the ability to connect to a smartphone or computer with a USB cord.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical;
nozzle: yes
preparation time to measurement: 60 sec;
blowing off time: 4 s;
operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

Advantages of

accuracy of measurements;
unusual design;
easy operation and use;
ability to connect to a smartphone or PC;
small weight.

Disadvantages

Underreporting.

Dingo SCREEN

Modern compact breathalyzer, based on an electrochemical sensor, with Highly sensitive sensor, according to the manufacturer.

The device is equipped with a color indicator multicolor: the color indication depends on the result of the test.

In addition to the light sensors, there is a power button and a window for exhaling air. After powering on, it takes 2 minutes to prepare, after which the ready-for-use light will illuminate.

Blowing lasts only 2 seconds and the test can be repeated after 20 seconds.

Only battery charge indication is available as an option.

Technical specifications:

sensor: electrochemical
no mouthpiece;
preparation time to the measurement: 2-120 sec;
blowing off time: 2 s;
operating temperature: 0 - 50 °C.

Advantages of

easy to operate;
minimum blowing off time;
short interval between adjacent measurements;
long battery life.

Cons

does not turn off by itself.

Top 4 best professional breathalyzers

Professional breathalyzers are designed to obtain the most accurate indicators. These devices are used by the traffic police and other organizations that require testing of employees (e.g. cabs, medical institutions, etc.).

AlcoHunter Professional +

Inexpensive device for professional use with an accuracy of 10%. Model Small, easy to use, lightweight and runs on 2 AAA batteries.

Test results are displayed in ppm, BAC, mg/L.

Breathalyzer is sensitive to readings in the range of 0 - 5 ppm. Step is 0.01 ppm.

Up to 140 measurements can be taken per day, which makes it suitable for companies for testing their employees..

For convenience and speed the unit is equipped with light and sound indication, battery charge indicator and auto power off function.

Technical characteristics:

Sensor: semiconductor
nozzle: yes
preparation time for measurement: 15-50 s;
blowing off time: 5 s;
operating temperature: -5 - 70 °C.

Advantages of

a wide range of measurements
suitable for testing in various weather conditions;
high accuracy;
small dimensions.

Cons

takes a long time to warm up before the first measurement;
the mouthpiece falls out.

META GIBDD 01

Budget model for making up to 50 measurements a day, each of which can have 20% error, which is quite a lot for a breathalyzer.

The weight of the device is 500 g, and the time to prepare for the first measurement is 3-4 minutes.

All these indicators are disadvantages of the device, but there are also advantages: simplicity and ease of use and low price.

The test result is shown on the display and accompanied by a sound signal. There is also a battery charge indicator.

Technical characteristics:

Sensor: semiconductor
nozzle: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 15-210 sec;
blowing off time: 5 s;
operating temperature: 1 - 40 °C.

Advantages:

inexpensive;
10 nozzles included;
allows up to 50 tests per day.

Cons:

inaccuracy of measurements;
long warm-up time.

AlcoHunter Professional X

Easy to use and relatively inexpensive Russian-made device with 0.01 ppm scale.

The device runs on two AAA batteries, has sound and light indicators, a battery charge indicator and an auto-off function.

The device looks interesting on the outside and is easy to operate.

It comes with 5 convenient, firmly fixed mouthpieces. Measurement results with an accuracy of 10% are displayed in ppm, BAC, mg/L.

Specifications:

transducer: solid state
mouthpiece: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 50-190 s;
blowing off time: 9 s;
operating temperature: -5 - 40 °C.

Advantages of

Allows up to 140 measurements per day
compact;
Works even at minus temperatures;
affordable price.

Disadvantages

low accuracy;
it takes a long time to warm up.

Mark V Breathalyzer

Professional compact breathalyzer with keychain and an impressive set of tips - Includes 5 pcs..

The device can store in memory 2000 measurements, which are expressed on the display in mg/l.

After switching on, the first test can be performed after 17 seconds. One minute elapses between successive measurements.

The range of admissible values is 0 - 4.4 ppm, the error is only 10%.

Requires 4 AAA batteries and ambient temperature above zero: the unit will not work at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.

Technical specifications:

sensor: electrochemical;
nozzle: yes
preparation time for measurement: 17-60 s;
blowing off time: 5 sec;
operating temperature: 15 - 35 °C.

Advantages of

Can store in memory up to 2000 measurements
Equipped with a key fob;
105 mouthpieces are included;
can be connected to a smartphone or PC;
speed of operation.

Disadvantages

you need 4 batteries to work;
Does not work at temperatures below 15 degrees.

Top 3 best inexpensive breathalyzers

Breathalyzers that are too cheap should not be completely trusted, but they can be kept at home to make sure, for example, that a teenager is acting weird because of hormonal surges and not illegal samples, or to choose who will drive after the holiday.

Inspector AT500.

Budget household breathalyzer with a bright, clear display, accurate measurement in mg/L and Compact design weighs only 70g.

Getting ready to work takes only 15 seconds: later the readings will be shown on the display and stored in memory (up to 50 results).

Standard purge procedure takes 10 seconds. After the results are displayed, you will need to wait 2 minutes for the next test.

The result is displayed on the screen and also accompanied by a backlight and sound signal.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: electrochemical
nozzle: yes
preparation time for measurement: 15-120 s;
blowing off time: 10 s;
operating temperature: 10 - 40 °C.

Pros:

can store up to 40 measurements;
inexpensive;
compact and lightweight;
a wide range of measurements;
high test accuracy.

Disadvantages

inconvenient to store the mouthpieces;
long warm-up time.

Inspector AT100

Compact unit with key fob and sturdy housing only 6 cm high. To start the work it is necessary to insert in a special compartment one finger battery and wait 20 seconds: then you can use the breathalyzer for its intended purpose.

The pause between tests is 60 seconds..

Additional features of the Alcolock include a timer, auto shutoff and battery charge indication.

The units of measurement are ppm, BAC. For the convenience of movement and operation the device is equipped with a keychain.

Technical characteristics:

sensor: semiconductor;
mouthpiece: yes;
preparation time for measurement: 20-60 s;
blowing off time: 5 s;
operating temperature: 10 - 40 °C.

Advantages:

low cost;
lightweight and compact;
there is a timer;
speed of operation.

Cons

No case for the nozzles;
large error (step - 0.1 ppm).

Delta AT-550

Inexpensive, home made breathalyzer with an interesting design, small Dimensions and weight only 40g.

For normal operation of the device requires 3 AAA batteries, as well as 20 seconds to prepare: then you can conduct the test, the results of which are displayed on the LCD in ppm, BAC.

The step of the scale is 0.01 ppm, and the measurement range is 0.1 - 2 ppm.

Both visual and audible indication will alert you to the measurement results. Also has auto power off feature.

Specifications:

Sensor: semiconductor;
Nozzle: yes;
preparation time to the measurement: 20 sec;
blowing off time: 5 s;
operating temperature: 0 - 40 °C.

Advantages of

spectacular appearance;
measurement speed;
accuracy of measurements;
compact size;
Stores up to 10 measurements in memory.

Disadvantages

quickly discharges;
no indication of battery charge.

How a home breathalyzer works

The operating principle of the home breath alcohol meter depends on the type of sensor device, which is built into the device. This can be a semiconductor or electrochemical sensor.

In the first case, alcohol molecules are trapped on the sensor. They change its conductivity, and the signal on the display is displayed according to the number of these molecules.

More exact electrochemical alkomers act differently: a special catalyst reacts to alcohol vapors, which transforms the measurement result into a digital signal.

Alcolock types

All types of breathalyzers can be divided into 2 large groups: professional and household. The first are more expensive, give more accurate readings, can take up to 100-150 measurements per charge and are equipped with a large number of functions. For example, many of them can take photos of the test subject.

Household ones are cheaper and simpler, and also have a larger margin of error. They usually take longer to recover from a single measurement and are designed to take no more than 5 measurements per charge.

According to the type of sensor, there are semiconductor and electrochemical devices. The former are less accurate, sensitive to environmental conditions, cheaper, and respond not only to alcohol vapors, but also to similar compounds such as aldehydes and ketones.

Electrochemical breathalyzers are more expensive, more accurate, and give more realistic readings at low temperatures and high humidity.

Less popular types of breathalyzers include:

spectrophotometric;
personal;
special;
LED;
disposable;
laser;
automobile;
medical;
test strips;
mobile;
virtual.

What company to choose?

Two main groups can be distinguished among manufacturers. The first group is high-quality, reliable devices with minimal error, a solid body and a wide range of functions.

Such brands include Dingo, DRIVESAFE, Drager Alcotest.

AIRLINE, Alco Stop, CARLine, DrinkMate, GARIN, Inspector, KOTO, RITMIX, Delta breathalyzers have a good reputation and high availability.

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Conclusion

A Breathalyzer for home use can sometimes be a very useful device for motorists and beyond.

The price, appearance and purpose make it suitable as a gift, as well as save from possible unpleasant consequences when meeting with the traffic police officers on the road.

Useful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best breathalyzers: