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Best Radon Detectors for Home
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated November 2025
The best radon detectors, actually ranked by accuracy, from continuous monitors to short-term kits. Backed by independent, professional-grade, third-party testing.
Continuous Radon Monitors: The Most Accurate
The Airthings Correntium Home is one of the most accurate home radon detectors available, as tested by a professional third party— the Canadian National Radon Program (CNRPP.) While no radon monitor is 100% accurate, continuous models are closest, and the Correntium hits 90% accuracy within 7 days of setting it up. Their View Radon model is also very accurate, at up to 95% , but it takes 2 months to get there— it is around 70-80% accurate in the first 7 days. That said, the View has a nicer interface. They are a science-based company that also makes professional radon devices, so I trust any of their models over most— I have the View Plus so I can monitor a complete picture of my indoor air quality in addition to radon. You can use code INTERIORMED-10OFF for 10% off any of Airthings models.
Aranet’s Radon Plus detector (aranetRn+) is tested to be one of the most accurate home radon detectors as well through the Canadian National Radon Program. What sets it apart is that the device gives you its first reading within 10 minutes, which is nice. Its accuracy increases over time to 90% within 7 days, and up to 92% afterward. Battery powered, it’s a portable radon monitor that gives you reliable continuous readings. You can check data directly by looking at the screen, or connect and view long term data trends in the app. It also takes temperature and humidity readings.
Ecosense
Ecosense makes a few different radon monitors for home, and both the EcoQube and RadonEye are third party tested and verified by the CNRPP to reach 90% accuracy within 7 days of setting it up, similar to the Airthings Correntium Home. Neither model has a screen for easy viewing, and the RadonEye is deeply un-cute, but they are solid, accurate, no-frills radon detector kits for home. Their other model, the EcoBlu is aesthetically pleasing and small, and does have a screen— it performed slightly less accurately in the CNRPP’s 2023 testing, at around 80%, and wasn’t included in their 2025 report. But, it’s also one of the most affordable continuous radon monitors available, made by a reliable company, so would still be a good choice.
SunRadon’s Lüft is also 90% accurate according to CNRPP’s testing, and is only listed last out of the top 4 continuous radon detectors because it has some consistently negative reviews for breaking within a few months. That said, it has a lot of big fans, too, and the design is clever— just plug it directly into an outlet, watch the color indicator change, and use your app to monitor details. An easy option, and again, still much more accurate than any short term kit, and it’s nice to not have to worry about batteries or cords.
Fastest Radon Tests
Water Radon Test Kit
Radon makes its way into the water supply and not all cities test for it— it’s not federally required! Outside of city water supplies, it’s super important to test for radon in your water if it comes from a groundwater source, like a private or shared well, or if you have a known issue with airborne radon. Simple Lab wins awards all the time for its user friendliness— the kit includes easy instructions and sampling materials, prepaid 2 day shipping, lab testing, and you get the results reported digitally.
First Alert: Best Short Term Radon Test Kit
This is the best radon test if you need a fast, inexpensive screening option. Short-term tests are used over 4 days, and even though a 2019 study found that a whopping 99% of short-term tests are inaccurate (because radon levels fluctuate day-to-day, seasonally, and over the years) it’s still definitely worth doing a quick test just to see if levels are high. If they are, pursue radon mitigation. If they’re low, it may be a false negative, and it’s a good idea to do a 90 day or continuous test to make sure you didn’t just capture a low radon day.
Radtrak 3: Best 90 Day Radon Test Kit
This is much more accurate than a short-term radon detection kit, and is more affordable than a continuous monitor. Most importantly, the Radonova lab that analyzes your sample is validated by the US’s National Radon Proficiency Program. Our NRPP, unlike Canada’s, doesn’t recommend specific home tests (just professional ones), but it does say that yes, this lab is legit. Well rated for ease by people using it, and reasonably priced, lab analysis is included in the cost. You can get this along with a short term kit for both immediate answers and more accurate answers.
More Healthy Design for You
Radon Detectors & Testing: Complete Guide to Radon at Home
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas! It is continually released by the bedrock beneath home foundations. It starts as Uranium, which is an element on the periodic table that naturally occurs in soil, granite, and bedrock. But, as Uranium decays, it transforms into radon gas, and rises into the air. As radon rises, it enters buildings and becomes trapped in high concentrations in basements and first floors of houses, affecting 7 million homes in the US.
Radon can also dissolve into groundwater and be released through tap water as steam while showering, doing dishes, or laundry. The fix is straightforward—a radon mitigation system with a release tube or radon-resistant ground covering—but you need to test your home first to know if radon is present.
How much radon is too much?
The EPA’s official guidance recommends strongly considering radon mitigation if readings are between 2-4 pCi/L, and definitely having radon mitigation done if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
What radon levels are safe?
Very low amounts of background radon are a normal part of life and are generally safe. Humans have always been exposed to radon, even outdoors, throughout history. As it escapes from rocks, outdoor air levels typically hover around 0.4pCi/L (that’s 10 times lower than the EPA’s unsafe indoor level.)
In Ikaria, the Greek Island known as a longevity “Blue Zone,” outdoor levels actually run slightly higher than average, and people there are famously known to live past 100 years old. The body can handle normal radiation exposure and may even benefit from this type of limited stress. In Japan, Ukraine, and British Columbia, people purposely take trips to Radon hot springs for their healing powers! On the other hand, Marie Curie died from radiation exposure, and elevated indoor levels are definitively linked to lung cancer and leukemia.
Radon becomes trapped in buildings where we spend a lot of time indoors, not only on a daily basis, but throughout our lives. Radon is similar to sun exposure—some is normal, but too much causes harm.
What is the average home radon level?
The average home radon level is 1.3 pCi/L. The EPA recommends considering mitigation for readings between 2-4 pCi/L and definitely installing mitigation above 4 pCi/L (ten times higher than outdoor background levels).
Why is radon becoming a more common problem?
Modern homes are built with larger square footage, creating more ground coverage over radon-containing rock, making radon an increasingly common problem. Additionally, today's tightly-sealed, energy-efficient, climate-controlled homes give radon less opportunity to escape naturally.
What does radon smell like?
Nothing. Radon is completely odorless and tasteless, which makes radon detectors essential—you cannot use your sense of smell for radon detection. If you smell rotten eggs in your home, call your gas utility company immediately to check for natural gas leaks. Do not light candles, stoves, or matches until your home has been inspected.
Can dogs smell radon?
No, dogs cannot detect radon. In 1993, researchers explored whether dogs could be trained for radon detection, but the study was never completed due to lack of funding. Because radon is an odorless radioactive molecule, it's highly unlikely dogs can smell it. However, because pets and their owners often develop similar diseases, testing your home protects both you and your pet.
Does radon smell like rotten eggs?
No! Radon is completely odorless, so if you are smelling a rotten egg scent in your home, call your gas utility company immediately to make sure it’s not a leak. Do not light a candle, stove or matches for any reason until your house has been inspected.
Radon Health Effects
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing 21,000 deaths annually. Emerging evidence also links radon exposure to increased childhood leukemia risk. Additionally, epidemiological studies suggest that radon exposure during pregnancy may be associated with cleft lip and palate in babies.
Can radon make you sick?
Yes, but only over long-term exposure—radon causes cancer through years of exposure, not acute illness. In the short term, radon produces no immediate health effects. Even at high indoor concentrations, radon doesn't cause coughing, pain, or other symptoms immediately.
Can radon cause headaches?
No, radon doesn't cause headaches or other acute health symptoms. Lung damage from radon takes years of continuous exposure to develop.
Search Your Radon Risk on the Radon Map
Can I look up my radon risk by zip code?
Yes. The EPA’s radon map shows radon risk by county. Zone 1 (red) indicates highest risk, Zone 2 (orange) indicates moderate risk, and Zone 3 (yellow) indicates lower risk. However, radon has been detected in all states—even if you live in Zone 3, testing your home is worthwhile.
You can also use this county lookup tool to check if your county is in Zone 1, 2, or 3.
Where Does Radon Come From?
Where is radon found?
The most common radon source is granite and other stone types (like limestone and shale) in bedrock under homes. The US radon risk map above shows radon potential for your zip code based on underlying rock type and radon incidence in nearby homes.
Radon is most commonly found on your home's lowest level, typically the basement, though some rises to floors above. Radon also comes from burning natural gas (gas stoves, furnaces) and, if present in your water supply, can be released during showering and other hot water use.
Is radon from granite countertops dangerous?
A small amount of radon can potentially come from granite countertops, but this amount would be significantly lower than radon entering from bedrock beneath your home. Unsealed granite is one of the healthiest kitchen countertop materials because there are no plastics, antimicrobials, coatings, or other sources of toxicants in it. But, if you're concerned, consider using two 90-day radon detectors—place one in your basement for a baseline reading and the second on your countertop. You can compare results to see if your countertop is emitting more radon above and beyond what the bedrock under your house is. While this method isn't EPA-validated, it may provide peace of mind.
Is radon in water really dangerous?
Yes. Radon gas dissolves into water similarly to how carbon dioxide is dissolved into flat water to create carbonation. Unlike carbon dioxide, however, radon doesn't break down, and accumulates in groundwater and wells. When you use this water heated for dishes, showering, or cooking, radon gas escapes into your indoor air where you breathe it, contributing to lung cancer risk.
Radon Detectors
Are radon detectors accurate?
Yes, some radon detectors are accurate, but some are not (for example, here is Canada’s list of recalled and not approved ones!)
In short, accuracy depends on two things: the length of radon detection, and whether the test kit has been tested and validated by a third party, professional-grade laboratory.
Length of Test
In general, radon detectors that collect samples over a longer period of time are more accurate, because radon levels fluctuate quite a bit throughout the year.
Short-term radon test kits (typically 4 days) are important for home purchases and quick screening, but are the least accurate option overall. These kits measure radon levels on your home's lowest floor over just a few days. A 2019 Canadian study found that 99% of short-term radon test kits are inaccurate because radon levels fluctuate daily and seasonally. They can easily miss the high radon days.
90-day radon detectors are significantly more accurate and work well in combination with a short-term kit. They’re not as accurate as a continuous monitor but are more affordable.
Continuous radon monitors (also called electronic radon detectors) show how levels change throughout the year and are the most accurate option because they capture seasonal variations.
Third Party Professional Testing
There are frustratingly few third party certifications for DIY home radon detection kits! These are important because you need an independent group of scientists to use a professional-grade, finely-tuned radon detector that reaches 100% accuracy, side by side with a home test, to see how it compares. As far as I know, there are zero groups in the US that have done this type of testing— even our National Radon Proficiency Program only validates professional grade instruments. However, we are lucky to have Canada’s NRPP! They test a handful of home devices every year, which is what I’ve based my ratings on, above.
Which radon detector should I buy?
The best radon detector for your home depends on your situation:
For initial screening or real estate transactions: A short-term radon detection kit provides a quick snapshot, though results should be confirmed with longer testing. If you get a positive result over 4 pCi/L, definitely seek mitigation. But if you get a negative result, assume that it’s a low-radon day, and do repeat short-term testing, 90 day testing, or continuous radon monitoring.
For periodic retesting or balancing accuracy with affordability: A 90-day radon detector kit offers a reliable seasonal average.
For ongoing monitoring: A continuous radon monitor (digital radon detector) provides real-time readings and tracks seasonal fluctuations—the gold standard for radon detection at home.
See my complete reviews above of the best radon detectors for home use.
Where should I place a radon detector?
Place your radon detector in your basement or the lowest level of your home if you don't have a basement. Radon enters from bedrock beneath your foundation, so concentrations are highest at the lowest levels.
For short-term radon detection kits, follow the manufacturer's placement instructions carefully—typically on a shelf or table, away from windows and doors.
For continuous radon monitors, you can keep the detector in your basement year-round to track seasonal variations. Or, you can keep it in a room of your house where you spend the most time in (I keep mine in my kitchen, not my basement). This way, if you see numbers go up slightly, you can test your basement specifically, assuming levels are higher below.
Can I get a free radon test kit?
Some states and counties offer free short-term radon test kits depending on your area's radon risk and available public health funding. Check the American Lung Association’s page for information on obtaining free radon detection kits in your area.
Radon Mitigation
How much does installing a radon mitigation system cost?
Radon mitigation systems typically cost in the high hundreds to low thousands, depending on your location and system type. Don't let this cost deter you from testing—cancer treatment costs significantly more. Financial assistance programs for radon mitigation are available here.
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