The gold standard for local air quality monitoring in Home Assistant. Real NDIR CO2 sensing (not VOC guesswork), PM2.5 particulate tracking, plus temperature and humidity, all running on open-source ESPHome firmware. Flash it with your own config or use it out of the box. The built-in display is a nice touch for rooms where you want at-a-glance readings. If you care about what you are breathing and want the data to stay local, this is the one to get.
Standout: Open-source indoor air quality monitor with true NDIR CO2 sensing and ESPHome compatibility.
Notes last checked Mar 22, 2026.
Compatibility snapshot
Home AssistantexcellentFull local control, no cloud needed. Native Home Assistant integration or a local protocol.
Apple HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
Google HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
AlexanoneNo official support on this platform.
Works offlineyes
Setupeasy
Extra hub neededno
Powerusb
Local control facts
Home Assistant: airgradient integration, Local Polling, Platinum on the quality scale (home-assistant.io, checked Sep 10, 2026)
Why it stands out
true NDIR CO2 sensor alongside PM2.5, temperature, and humidity, not just VOC estimation
open-source and ESPHome-compatible, giving full control over firmware and data
built-in display shows readings at a glance without needing a phone or dashboard
Reasons to hesitate
larger form factor than basic Zigbee environmental sensors
WiFi-only. Requires a stable wireless connection
premium pricing compared to simpler air quality sensors
Best for
Home Assistant users who want accurate, local indoor air quality data with CO2 readings
open-source enthusiasts who value ESPHome compatibility and firmware flexibility
Avoid if
you just need a basic temperature and humidity sensor. This is overkill for that
you want a tiny, discreet sensor. The AirGradient ONE has a visible display and footprint
Privacy and local-control notes
Open-source hardware running ESPHome firmware. Fully local, no cloud account required. Can be flashed with custom firmware for complete control.
Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: AirGradient / ESPHome.
CO2, PM2.5 and VOC with no cloud account: AirGradient ONE overall, Apollo AIR-1 for ESPHome, IKEA ALPSTUGA for the money. What each one actually measures.
Best smart radon and CO detectors for Home Assistant
Radon sensors that report into Home Assistant locally: Airthings Wave over BLE, RadonEye RD200 via ESPHome, EcoQube. Plus Heiman and First Alert CO alarms.