Table of Contents
- View The Best Breathalyzer Below
- 1. BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer
- 2. Dräger Alcotest 3820 Breathalyzer
- 3. ZOUYO Breathalyzer Keychain
- 4. Maxbuff Breathalyzer
- 5. iSOBER 30 Breathalyzer
- 6. Rofeer Breathalyzer
- 7. Oasser Rechargeable Breathalyzer
- 8. BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
- 9. COCOCKA Breathalyzer
- 10. Sproutgram Upgraded Professional Breathalyzer
- Breathalyzers Buyer’s Guide
When you invest in one of the best breathalyzer options in today’s market, you could be saving your’s and other people’s lives. A breathalyzer analyzes the alcohol content in your body. The ability to check your blood alcohol content (BAC) before you get behind the wheel, can ensure you are within the legal limits. In most places, 0.08 is the legal limit. If you have just one too many alcoholic beverages, and you don’t know it, you may be facing fines, jail time, or worse.
Carrying a personal breathalyzer may help cut down on alcohol-related accidents, which are, unfortunately, running rampant in numbers across the globe. The ability to know if it is safe to drive or not is a fantastic opportunity to save lives and cut down on injuries from DUI-related accidents
View The Best Breathalyzer Below
1. BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer
The BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer is more accurate and easier to use than many other breathalyzers. Accuracy is essential. You only need to breathe into the BACtrack S80 for five seconds, and then ten seconds later, it will give you your BAC. The LCD display is easy to read. It is DOT approved, and the FDA has cleared it. The Bactrack S80 Professional breathalyzer has been tested against those used by law enforcement and proves itself to be a reliable option for anyone.
Pros:
+ Comes With 6 Reusable Mouthpieces
+ 1-Year Warranty
+ Accurate 15-Minutes After Consumption
+ Powered by AA Batteries
Why We Liked It – Not every breathalyzer is going to give you a reading that is the same as the breathalyzer law enforcement uses. The Bactrack s80 is going to do that and provide you with peace of mind that it is safe to get behind the wheel.
2. Dräger Alcotest 3820 Breathalyzer
This is one of the best breathalyzer options because it works the same as the options the police use. You will only need to press one button and it even has an option to read you the results. Otherwise, simply look at the LCD display for an accurate read on your blood alcohol level. It has an easy to clean the mouthpiece that is replaceable with a cap, so it is always ready when you need it. Additionally, it comes in a microfiber bag so you can easily carry it in a purse, car, or glovebox.
Pros:
+ Meets Evidential Breath Testing Devices Requirements
+ 2-Year Limited Warranty
+ Reminds You to Recalibrate Yearly
+ Stores 10 Results
Why We Liked It – first off, you will be able to rely on this breathalyzer for years to come. Secondly, we love the fact that it reminds you when it needs to be recalibrated so you always know you are getting the highest level of accuracy while using it.
3. ZOUYO Breathalyzer Keychain
This breathalyzer is exceptionally convenient. The small size makes it perfect to keep with you at all times. You will get results up to a 0.019 blood alcohol content. It does have an audio alert option if you have a hard time seeing the smaller LCD display.
You will need to put 3 aaa batteries into it after purchase. Once you do you will get a great lifespan from them as it uses very little power. It does take about 10 seconds before it is ready to use, but it also shuts itself off to preserve battery life.
Pros:
+ Simple to Use
+ Key Chain is Convenient
+ Includes 4 Mouth Pieces
Why We Liked It – While this option doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles you may find with the other best breathalyzers in our guide this one is extremely easy to carry with you. It is not bulky and it won’t take up much room. You can simply attach it to your keychain and have it ready to go whenever you may need it.
4. Maxbuff Breathalyzer
The compact design of this breathalyzer is an advantage. It easily fits into your pocket, which is rather convenient. It offers good accuracy and is easy to use. The screen is backlit and blue. Additionally, it offers audio readouts and alerts. The alerts will warn you when you are coming close to the legal limit. The test results appear quickly and you won’t have to blow into this breathalyzer for an extended period of time. It uses aaa batteries for power and they are included with your purchase.
Pros:
+ Batteries Included = Immediate Use
+ 5 Mouth Pieces Included
+ Compact Design
+ Multiple Color Options
Why We Liked It – this model of breathalyzer was recently updated and that made it one of the best on the market. It is extremely easy to use and also provides you with very accurate results.
5. iSOBER 30 Breathalyzer
You get law enforcement quality accuracy when you choose this breathalyzer. It is more affordable than many of the other options. It uses Suracel, which is a fuel cell sensor that makes it exceptionally accurate. The fuel cell sensor is more sensitive than others and lasts longer.
There is a year-long calibration length. You won’t have concerns about inaccuracies andit doesn’t need recalibrating for a year. When it does need recalibrating an alarm will remind you. Additionally, it can store up to ten results.
Pros:
+ 12 Month Warranty
+ Passes All 33 Regulation Tests
+ Brand has 20 Years of Experience
Why We Liked It – When it comes to setting the bar on breathalyzers, this one does it. It is easy to use and the test results are exceptionally accurate. Their sensor technology is trusted by professionals.
6. Rofeer Breathalyzer
This gives you accurate readings within 0 to 1.99% BAC. If you are over the legal limit the results will be apparent. The screen changes color and different sounds are going to alert you of your results. personal breathalyzers have come a long way.
It only takes a few moments for this breathalyzer to warm up. Then you just need to blow into it for three to five seconds. You should wait for twenty-minutes after imbibing before testing. This breathalyser is also quite compact. It will easily fit in a wallet, purse, or pocket.
Pros:
+ 5 Washable Mouth Pieces Included
+ Automatic Power Off
+ Records Up To 32 Results
Why We Liked It – The ability to store so many records can help keep your drinking in check. If you need accurate breathalyzer results and access to them at a later date, this is one of the best options out there.
7. Oasser Rechargeable Breathalyzer
The fact that this breathalyzer is rechargeable is pretty amazing. It is also easy to use and will give you a long warning if you are over the legal limit. If alcohol is involved, you can keep this handy for the safety of your friends and family.
It has a curved design which makes it more comfortable to hold on to during use. It tests for a range within 0.10 and 0.20%. This is a bit higher than what some of the other breathalyzers offer. The accuracy comes from their advanced semi-conductor technology.
Pros:
+ No Batteries Required
+ Saves 10 Results
+ Multiple Models Available
Why We Liked It – They use a variety of technologies in their blood alcohol sensors. They offer advanced semi-conductor technology and fuel cell sensor technology.
8. BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
This is one of the best product choices in keychain breathalyzers. It offers Bluetooth technology. Additionally, you can contact Uber right through the app if your alcohol consumption makes driving risky. There are two different modes that will allow you to choose whether you see your accurate results on the display or if they are sent to your smartphone. Additionally, the app will keep track of your drinking habits so you have an accurate look at when and how much you are drinking.
Pros:
+ 1-Year Warranty
+ Estimates Time Until Sober
+ Compact & Convenient
Why We Liked It – This breathalyzer offers so much more than most keychain breathalyzers. The fuel cell is accurate and the app gives you so much information you will understand drinking more than you ever have and how it affects you and your life.
9. COCOCKA Breathalyzer
If you are in need of a very affordable option in breathalyzers, this may be the perfect fit. It is compact and that makes it easy to transport with you to any adventure that includes alcohol. You can store the extra mouthpieces in the case, so they are ready to go whenever you need them. For accuracy, you may need to recalibrate this one a bit more frequently than other breathalyzers. After five seconds of inactivity, it shuts itself off. This feature makes your batteries last for a very long time.
Pros:
+ 5 Mouth Pieces Included
+ One Button Operation
+ Easy to Read Night Display
Why We Liked It – As far as personal breathalyzers are concerned this one offers accuracy at a very good price. Any budget will be able to absorb the cost.
10. Sproutgram Upgraded Professional Breathalyzer
The compact design of this professional breathalyzer is easy to hold on to because of the grip pattern that is used. You can carry it comfortably in your pocket, car, or purse. The design is also quite sturdy and very durable. You will get professional-grade accuracy when you invest in this breathalyzer. It is powered with batteries and it is very easy to use. If you cross into the intoxicated zone, it will alert you audibly. Waiting fifteen minutes after alcohol consumption will give you the most accurate results.
Pros:
+ FDA Registered
+ Professional Accuracy
+ 30-Day Guarantee
Why We Liked It – Sometimes breathalyzers can be hard to hold on to. The design of this breathalyzer is one of the best and easiest to hold on to while you are testing.
Breathalyzers Buyer’s Guide
The best breathalyzers can perform accurate testing quickly. Not only that, but these breathalyzers should also be easy to use and use proven sensor technology. Obviously, if you are drinking alcohol and feel the need to test your blood alcohol content, you want to know the results are accurate.
Accuracy & Technology
All breathalyzers are structured pretty much the same. Breathalyzers are made of a mouthpiece and sample chambers located inside of the device. The best and easiest options will use a simple push-button control. There are several different technologies used in personal breathalyzers and professional breathalyzer options.
Fuel Cell Breathalyzers
A fuel cell breathalyzer uses electrical currents to measure your BAC. The internal chamber is made from electrodes and a layer of acid in between them. When you breathe through the device, any alcohol that is present will be oxidized into electrons, acetic acid, and protons. The electrons make their way through an electric current meter. The amount of energy that moves through the chamber the higher the BAC. When it comes to accuracy, these breathalyzers are the best. Additionally, their accuracy is so on point that they are the only results that are allowed in court.
Color-Changing Breathalyzers
When it comes to accuracy this is not going to be the best. You have to use your judge of colors to try and figure out an accurate result. Color-changing breathalyzers use chemical reactions to alcohol to indicate what a person’s BAC is. Your breath will pass through one chamber that contains sulfuric acid. This removes any alcohol that is present in your breath. From there it goes into a different solution where alcohol will react and result in a color. You then compare this color with one of unaltered chemicals to try and get an accurate look at your BAC.
Infrared Breathalyzers
There are mixed reviews about this type of breathalyzer and many don’t believe them to be the best. They identify intoxication based on how different molecules infrared light. There is a chamber with a lamp inside of it. This makes the infrared beam that will shine through your breath as you blow into the mechanism. From there it goes through a filter wheel that measures how much ethanol is in your breath. You will get fairly accurate results, but they can not be counted on every time. Additionally, these breathalyzers tend to be very pricey with less accuracy. So, you are better off getting one that runs on fuel cells.
Extra Technology Features
Many of the best breathalyzers available in the market today will give you a bit extra and offer an app to track the information you get from it. This added technology is welcomed by most users. You can gain an accurate look at how much you are drinking and when you are doing it. Having this information can help keep your drinking habits in check. Additionally, it allows you to safely travel without worrying about being a danger to yourself or others.
Screen
When you buy a breathalyzer that is considered the best, you will likely get one that has an LCD screen. This screen will provide you with the results of your breathalyzer test. Some options are certainly among the best while others fail in comparison. Being able to easily read your accurate breathalyzer results is critical.
When you are looking at screen options you definitely want to find one that has a backlit display. This will allow you to read your results after dark. The best breathalyzers will offer a screen that changes color depending on your BAC. This helps guarantee accuracy while you read it.
Additionally, you want a breathalyzer with a display that is easy to read. If it is too compact you won’t be able to read it easily and this could lead to inaccurate readings. The best breathalyzer options will give you large numbers on the display, audible warnings, and screen color changes to make sure you know exactly what is going on.
If there is an app involved, you will likely need to choose whether you see the results of your breathalyzer reading on your device or on the app. Typically, they will not register on both. Fortunately, you can usually switch between breathalyzer result modes quickly and easily. Both options will give you accurate results.
If you are using a keychain breathalyzer, know that the display on these is typically very small. They are convenient to carry around with you but you may not be able to read them as easily as others. Frequently, they will have a backlit display, which will certainly make things easier when it comes to reading them. If they do not offer a backlit display, you will likely want to look for a different option.
Durability
If you intend on carrying your breathalyzer with you to all of your alcohol-consuming events, you want it to be durable. You never know when it may take a fall. If it does take a spill, you want to know that it is going to be able to handle it. Most people find the best versions offer a contoured design or grip. This will make them fit more easily into your hand and this makes it less likely for you to drop it.
Many of the options available are shaped so that they are easy to hold on to. However, some are very slim, slick, and rectangular, similar to a cell phone. This does not provide the best grip so, you may end up being more likely to drop it. As long as they are made from a durable material, and most of them are, you shouldn’t need to be too concerned. Polyurethane casings are typical and they also offer great durability. You should look into the materials used in the design before choosing which breathalyzer is going to be the perfect fit for you, your friends, and your family.
Size
The size of your breathalyzer is also going to play a role in how happy you are with it. If it is too big and bulky it will be hard to keep with you and, in turn, you may not have it with you when you really need it. While there are some very small options out there, like keychain breathalyzer, there are also much larger options. The keychain size is very convenient and you will always know you have it with you when you need it. However, these small options are not always the greatest when it comes to accuracy.
There are also small slim designs that could be kept in something as small as a wallet. These tend to be more fragile so you will need to handle them more carefully. This can be a problem depending on the adventure that you find yourself on. Going slightly larger may be advantageous.
Consumers seem to be the happiest with breathalyzers that are about the size of a cell phone. This makes sense because you can easily carry it in your pocket, car, or purse. With multiple options to carry this one, you never really need to leave home without it. You will get good durability and something that is comfortable to carry.
There are larger models that are not going to fit so well in a pocket or a purse. These are a bit inconvenient to carry. However, they can be easily stored in your vehicle. This will allow you to test your BAC before you ever even turn your car on.
There are pluses and minuses to each size. It really comes down to what is going to work best for you and your routine. Something small and simple may be a bit more fragile but it is also more convenient, whereas, something larger may be inconvenient but provide you with better durability and possibly more accurate results.
Conclusion
The design, screen, accuracy, and ease of use will all play a role in what it takes to make the best breathalyzers. Once all of these features are taken into consideration, it becomes pretty simple to see why the ten listed here are at the top of their class.
Editor’s Note
While 0.08% is the legal limit in most places, know that any alcohol concentration above 0.00% means you are intoxicated. The safest way to operate a vehicle is with no trace of alcohol in your system. Investing in a breathalyzer can help you stay at the optimal level of safety as you get to your destination.
