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Our top picks for the best breathalyzers for maximum accuracy and reliability
By Humphrey Bwayo
5 minute read
Best Overall
BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer
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iSOBER 10 Breathalyze
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BACtrack Trace Portable Breathalyzer
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We can’t always tell if we are good enough to drive home. Having a breathalyzer is a perfect solution to this problem. All you need to do is puff into the device to see if you are good to go. There are hundreds of quality portable breathalyzers on the market that can help you avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. To help you make a good decision, we have narrowed down that list to the best devices.
Summary List
Best Overall: BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer
Best Value: iSOBER 10 Breathalyzer
Best Professional: BACtrack Trace Portable Breathalyzer
Premium Pick: AlcoMate Premium AL7000 Professional Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention: BACtrack Scout Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention: BACtrack Element Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention: BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention: BACtrack C8 Breathalyzer
Best Breathalyzers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer
Best Value
iSOBER 10 Breathalyzer
Best Professional
BACtrack Trace Portable Breathalyzer
Premium Pick
AlcoMate Premium AL7000 Professional Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention
BACtrack Scout Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention
BACtrack Element Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention
BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
Honorable Mention
BACtrack C8 Breathalyzer
Our Verdict on the Best Breathalyzers
Our top pick for the best breathalyzer is the BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer. This portable breathalyzer is a high-quality product that is DOT-approved and delivers impressive results within 0.0000 to 0.00004 percent BAC.
If you are looking for great value in a mid-priced breathalyzer, check out the iSOBER 10 Breathalyzer.
Benefits of a Breathalyzer
- Get accurate results. One of the worst decisions anyone can make is to drive a car while under the influence of alcohol. In this state, your basic motor skills are impaired, which could lead to an accident, damage of property, and even death. Breathalyzers have the capability of accurately measuring your blood alcohol levels, helping you make a better judgment of the situation.
- Avoid getting DUI fines. In the United States, the average penalty for DUI (driving under the influence) is $480. This figure could quickly rise if other penalties and fees are added. Getting a portable breathalyzer can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
- Make a well-informed decision. Your physical makeup and composition directly influence your BAC levels. In the US, all states currently adopt a 0.08-percent legal limit for driving. A personal breathalyzer will help you get accurate results to make a well-informed decision.
- Test your alcohol content level from anywhere. Personal breathalyzers are specially made to fit in your pocket or purse. You can check if you have exceeded your limit anytime, anywhere.
Types of Breathalyzers
Electrochemical Fuel Cell Analyzers
These devices use an electrical current to detect the blood alcohol content in a person’s breath sample. There are two electrodes within the cell. One electrode has platinum and gold, and this is where any alcohol in the sample gets oxidized into acetic acid. The more alcohol there is in a breath sample, the more electrons will be produced in the reaction.
Semiconductor Analyzers
These breathalyzers have a built-in semiconductor that produces a small electrical current. When alcohol gets to the semiconductor, it changes the current. The bigger the change, the more alcohol there is in a sample. It’s important to note that results can be variable since these breathalyzers are sensitive to climate, altitude, and even cigarette smoke.
Infrared Optical Sensor Analyzer
These are ideally infrared spectrometers. They work by identifying chemicals that are within a sample of air by measuring the way the molecules can absorb infrared light. Alcohol is known to absorb a certain wavelength of infrared radiation. Therefore, the more the wavelength absorbed, the more alcohol there is in the sample. This is the most accurate type of breathalyzer and will rarely get confused by mouth alcohol.
Best Breathalyzer Pricing
- Under $50: There are a variety of personal, portable breathalyzers at this price. However, most of them only offer primary functionality. Depending on the manufacturing company, breathalyzers here are popular due to their low price and basic functionality.
- $50-$120: The best breathalyzers are found at this price range. These breathalyzers offer better construction, calibration, and more accurate readings. Due to the higher-end construction, they can give consistent readings over a long period of time.
- Over $120: There aren’t a lot of personal breathalyzers in this price range. However, devices here are the best of the best. They are manufactured with the highest quality materials and offer superior technology for the most accurate readings.
Key Features
Large Display/Audible Warnings
BAC readings aren’t something you want to get wrong. A large display built right into the device makes it easy to get clear readings, regardless of the time of day. If numbers don’t work for you, look for a device with audible warnings. A breathalyzer with audible warnings will produce a sound when you are too intoxicated to get behind the wheel.
Size
You’ll probably want to take your breathalyzer with you to parties and events where alcohol is served. The last thing you want is something that is overly bulky. It’s convenient to purchase something that can fit in the palm of your hands or can discreetly fit in your pocket or purse.
Other Considerations
- Quick Performance: Complex breathalyzers require about 30 to 40 seconds of warm-up time. The best breathalyzers are ready to go in under 20 seconds. Quick performance means you won’t decide to leave before getting tested.
- Recalibration: After extended use, any type of hardware is prone to lose its accuracy. To get it back to its initial level of accuracy, breathalyzer users need to send them back to the manufacturer for servicing or, where possible, order new sensors to recalibrate the device at home. The latter option, for convenience sake, is often the better option.
Tips
- When purchasing a breathalyzer, it’s important that you get extra mouthpieces in case you want to share it with other people. Sharing mouthpieces is unsanitary.
- Some breathalyzers will not work if the surrounding temperature is below the freezing point. Therefore, it’s advisable not to store it in your car during winter nights.
- Check the product manual for the best usage practices. While some breathalyzers have self-calibration mechanisms, others need to be sent back for recalibration once a year. Other devices have a steep learning curve; understanding how to use them will go along the way helping you get accurate BAC readings consistently.
FAQs
Q. Are breathalyzers accurate?
A: Well, this depends entirely on the type of breathalyzer you buy. Fuel cell breathalyzers are considered to be highly accurate. Semiconductor types, on the other hand, are considered to be little more than a novelty toy.
Q. How should I use my portable breathalyzer?
A: Check your user manual before attempting to use a breathalyzer. For best results, wait 20 minutes after drinking or eating anything before you test your BAC. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwashes or testing in high winds or enclosed spaces. Blowing smoke into the mouthpiece will damage the sensors.
Q. How often do breathalyzers need recalibration?
A: All portable breathalyzers will come calibrated and ready for use. Check the user manual for instructions on calibration. Normally, the manufacturers will give instructions on how often the device needs to be recalibrated to guarantee the accuracy of readings. Most devices will need recalibration after 365 days or more if used frequently.
