

How safe is the air you're breathing? Breathe Smart 2 is a clever little gadget to keep you informed of what's in the air around you. This super-compact, lightweight air quality monitor can be used in the home or carried with you wherever you go, to alert you of the air quality and help you adjust your lifestyle to keep your lungs healthy.
The Breathe Smart 2 measures Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) – the deadliest form of air pollution – using an accurate laser sensor. An easy to read screen displays real-time air pollution levels and PM 2.5 Concentration, and a history function stores data for up to 30 days to help identify pollution hotspots (if that's in the home, you can then invest in one of the best air purifiers to tackle the issue).
The gadget boasts accurate laser-based scattering technology that instantly detects harmful fine dust and cigarette smoke particles, and you can even set up an alarm to alert when air pollution rises past a chosen level. Setup is easy, with no companion app or subscription required.
Breathe Tech, the brand behind the gadget, says that "Studies have shown that you can reduce your exposure by as much as 50% simply by taking alternative routes", although we'd imagine that depends on where you live and where you need to be. Nevertheless, it's worth considering, especially given how the worrying stats around how much of the world's population lives in places where air quality is below the World Health Organisation's guideline limits.
The Breathe Smart 2 – at 70 x 46 x 27mm, the smallest monitor of it's kind around, we're told – was originally crowd funded, but has grown the Breathe Tech into a global brand.
- Struggling with damp? Try one of the best dehumidifiers
- Keep your home cool with one of the best Dyson fans
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
I stayed in 5 hotels in 2 months – here’s how to get hotel-worthy bedding at home
7 hotel-inspired bedding tips to make your own bed just as cosy
-
I spent 6 weeks with the FoodMarble Aire 2: here’s what I learned about my gut health
I’ve been testing the clever breath-testing gadget with the companion app over several weeks to find out if it delivers on its promises
-
Oil pulling is going viral on TikTok for stopping morning breath – but does it actually work?
4 hacks that prevent morning breath, according to a sleep expert
-
These limited edition McLaren x Loop earplugs are what you need for Formula 1 season
McLaren teams up with Loop on limited edition noise-reducing earplugs
-
3 reasons why you wake up at 3am every night – and how to avoid it
Always waking up in the middle of the night? This could be why…
-
Therabody experts give 7 tips for perfecting your sleep routine for World Sleep Day
From breathing exercises to sleep masks, here’s how to prioritise sleep, according to experts
-
Loop Dream review: super soft earplugs to help you snooze soundly, even if you’re a side sleeper
Squishy silicone and uniquely shaped ear tips take Loop’s nighttime earplugs to dreamy heights
-
Can’t get to sleep? Grounding bed sheets could be the answer – but I need convincing
Is this the future of sleep tech?