The breathalyzer is a device created to measure the values of ethanol contained in the blood, invented back in 1954 by an American police captain, Robert Borkenstein.
The practice of blowing into the device, less invasive than a blood sample, had an immediate success, above all, thanks to the acceptable degree of precision of the machinery. After drinking a thirst-quenching beer or a glass of wine, the ethanol contained in these drinks is absorbed by the stomach and dilutes in the water contained in our body.
Part of this ethanol is metabolized while the remaining portion is eliminated as slag from the body. The breathalyzer can measure the concentration of what remains, returning a value that, according to the Italian road code, must not exceed 0.5 g / l.
Right below, we had listed out the best breathalyzers.
#1 RATED BREATHALYZER BY WIRECUTTER - "After 65 hours of research, which included getting intoxicated at a police station to test personal breathalyzers alongside law enforcement equipment, we're sure the BACtrack S80 is the most accurate, reliable, and easiest-to-use personal breathalyzer that you can buy." - TheWirecutter, February 2017
PRACTICAL & EASY TO USE - Blow for 5 seconds and your BAC results are displayed 10 seconds later on a bright, easy to read LCD screen. Alcohol tester breathalyzer AA battery powered, comes with 6 reusable mouthpieces. Wait 15 minutes after consuming alcohol for the most accurate result.
THE MOST ACCURATE BREATHALYZER AVAILABLE - In your efforts to drive more responsibly you need the most accurate results. While some breath testers give inconsistent readings and leave you wondering what your true BAC reading is, BACtrack breathalyzers will always give you police grade accuracy.
DOT APPROVED IN ALL 50 STATES - FDA 510(k) CLEARED - A portable alcohol tester designed to surpass the most rigorous standards of expert alcohol screeners, from roadside law enforcement to hospital and treatment professionals. Response Time 3 Seconds
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - Designed to read thousands of times with accurate results every time. When used correctly, testing 15 minutes after eating or drinking, BACtrack will last for years. All BACtracks also come with a full one year warranty, should any issues arise.
ESTIMATE YOUR ALCOHOL LEVEL WITH PRO-GRADE ACCURACY - Powered by BACtrack's patented BluFire Fuel Cell Sensor, the C6 utilizes the same professional-grade technology trusted by hospitals, clinics, and even law enforcement.
KNOW WHEN YOUR BAC WILL RETURN TO 0.00% - BACtrack's innovative ZeroLine technology estimates the time until your BAC is 0.00%, allowing you to quickly and easily know where you stand.
CALL AN UBER - Remember, the only safe time to drive is when your BACtrack shows 0.00%. Anything above that? You can call an Uber directly from the App.
OPTIONAL WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY - Use the BACtrack C6 with or without your smartphone. "Standalone Mode" delivers your BAC results directly to your C8. "App Mode" wirelessly delivers your BAC results to the BACtrack App on your smartphone. Easily switch between modes.
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - If your BACtrack C6 ceases to function properly during the first year of operation, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge ***when purchased from an authorized retailer***
【Upgraded Alcohol Tester】:The advanced high-precision nanotechnology sensor will immediately provide you with the most accurate value, and comes with ten spare Mouthpieces for you and your family or friends to use.
【Environmental protection and energy saving】: Breathalyzer has a micro USB cable for easy charging. It can be used for 3-6 months after a full charge. You don't need to buy and replace the battery all the time. Moreover, it will automatically turn off the power after 15 seconds of inactivity, saving money and environmental protection.
【Easy to operate and portable】: easy to operate, easy to carry, save space for you, you can put it in your pocket or bag when you are partying with friends.
【Audible alarm】: If the result is lower than the warning value, the screen will turn green and the siren will emit "di"; if the result is between the warning value and the dangerous value, the screen will turn yellow and the siren will emit "di" Di" sound; when the test result is higher than 0.05% BAC / 0.5‰ BAC, the screen of the digital breath analyzer will turn red, and the alarm will sound "di di di...".
【Perfect after-sales service】: If you are not satisfied with this breathalyzer, you are welcome to contact us at any time and put forward your valuable opinions. Your satisfaction is our greatest motivation.
QUICKLY & EASILY ESTIMATE YOUR BAC - Proprietary Advanced MicroCheck Sensor technology delivers reliable, accurate BAC results you can trust
EASY TO USE - One button operation means you simply power on your keychain breathalyzer and begin testing in seconds. It's that easy!
TAKE IT WITH YOU ANYWHERE - The ultra-compact BACtrack breathalyzer keychain easily fits in a pocket or purse, making it a great portable breathalyzer for any occasion.
OPTIMAL BREATH CAPTURE - The innovative fold-out mouthpiece ensures only your breath goes into the alcohol tester, while other airborne pollutants are kept out.
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - If your BACtrack Keychain ceases to function properly during the first year of operation, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge ***when purchased from an authorized retailer***
【High-Accuracy】This alcohol breathalyzer adopted a high-precision semiconductor alcohol sensor, can real-time response and resume, minimize the mistakes; with three kinds of unit conversion( % BAC/‰BAC/mg/L)
【Portable Design】 Space-saving, lightweight, portable, easy to hold and carry, can put it on your bag or pocket, stay with your when driving; great for wedding, parties, or other activities, ensures your safe driving
【5 Mouthpieces Replace】 Comes with 5 replaceable mouthpieces, maintain health and hygiene alcohol test; with one mouthpiece has been install to the breath inhaler, no worry to forget to carry it
【Easy to Use】 Warm up for 15 seconds and blow into the breath inhaler for 3-5 seconds, then read the text result from the alcohol tester LCD screen; the result will display about 20 seconds and then will automatically switch off
【30 Days Warranty】 We are committed to providing you the premium service, no question asked refund or replacement service for our customer within 90 days, feel free to contact us
Accurate Alcohol Tester: The advanced high-precision nanotechnology sensor will immediately provide you with the most accurate value, and comes with ten spare Mouthpieces for you and your friends to use.
Rechargeable and Portable: Breathalyzer has built-in lithium battery,it is rechargeable and can be used on your car at any time. It can be used for 3-6 months for normal use after a full charge. You don't need to buy and replace the battery all the time. Moreover, it will automatically turn off the power after inactivity.
Small Size: It is a small breathalyzer and easy to operate, easy to carry, you can put it in your pocket or bag when you are partying.
Audible alarm: If the test results are within the warning range, you will see an alcohol value. Otherwise, if you exceed the warning range,the machine will sound an alarm and show "HI".
Check test records: The machine can automatically record the value of the last 10 tests. You can easily view the value of each test result.
ESTIMATE YOUR ALCOHOL LEVEL WITH PRO-GRADE ACCURACY - Powered by BACtrack's patented BluFire Fuel Cell Sensor, the C8 utilizes the same professional-grade technology trusted by hospitals, clinics, and even law enforcement.
KNOW WHEN YOUR BAC WILL RETURN TO 0.00% - BACtrack's innovative ZeroLine technology estimates the time until your BAC is 0.00%, allowing you to quickly and easily know where you stand.
CALL AN UBER - Remember, the only safe time to drive is when your BACtrack shows 0.00%. Anything above that? You can call an Uber directly from the App.
OPTIONAL WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY - Use the BACtrack C8 with or without your smartphone. "Standalone Mode" delivers your BAC results directly to your C8. "App Mode" wirelessly delivers your BAC results to the BACtrack App on your smartphone. Easily switch between modes.
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - If your BACtrack C8 ceases to function properly during the first year of operation, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge ***when purchased from an authorized retailer***
6 Measurement Units and 32 Records: There are six commonly used measurement units for you to choose (%BAC, ‰BAC, mg/L, g/L, mg/100ml, ‰PROM). The latest 32 measurement results can be recorded. The measurement range of each unit is 0~0.199% BAC, 0~1.999‰BAC, 0~1.999g/L, 0~0.999mg/L, 0~1999mg/100ml, 0~1.999‰PROM.
Sound Warning and Color Distinction: In addition to the numbers displayed, the results can be distinguished by sound and color. The screen will turn green and the alarm will make a "di"sound if the result is lower than warning value. The screen will turn yellow and the alarm will make sound as "di di" if the result is between warning value and dangerous value. The screen will turn red and the alarm will make sound as "di di di..." for about 15 seconds if the result is higher than dangerous value
Easy to Use: Just keep pressing the power button for 2 seconds to start the alcohol breathalyzer tester. Wait for 15 seconds for preheating and then keep blowing for 3-5 seconds to get the result. The result will be displayed on the LCD screen of breathalyzers for 15 seconds. NOTE: In order to make the test results more accurate, please use the alcohol tester after stopping drinking for 20 minutes, and the interval time of each test should be kept for 2~3 minutes.
Compact, Energy-saving and 5 Washable Mouthpieces: The blood alcohol breathalyzer is only 4.84in*2.17in*0.75in, so it can be placed in a wallet or pocket easily. It is powered by 3AAA battery, it will automatically power off after 15 seconds of no operation in order to save power. Five of mouthpieces can be cleaned and recycled, making recycling more environmentally friendly.
PRO-GRADE ACCURACY - Powered by BACtrack's platinum-based Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor, the Element utilizes the same professional-grade technology trusted by hospitals, clinics, and even law enforcement
SIMPLE, ONE-BUTTON OPERATION - The BACtrack Element is extremely easy to use. Simply insert the two included AAA batteries, power on your breathalyzer and begin testing. It's that easy; Your BAC results are displayed 10 seconds later on a bright LCD screen
DOT/NHTSA COMPLIANT - Designed to meet the rigorous standards of expert alcohol screeners, from roadside law enforcement to hospital employees & treatment professionals, the Element is compliant with US DOT & NHTSA regulations for alcohol screening devices
SMALL & PORTABLE SIZE - The Element is BACtrack's smallest professional breathalyzer, making it easy to take with you anywhere you go; Measuring just 4.25 x 1.875 x 0.625 inches, it's much smaller than an iPhone, and easily fits in a purse or pocket
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - If your BACtrack Element ceases to function properly during the first year of operation, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge when purchased from an authorized retailer
PROFESSIONAL-GRADE ACCURACY - Powered by BACtrack's platinum-based Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor, the Scout utilizes the same pro-grade technology trusted by hospitals, clinics, and even law enforcement.
SIMPLE, ONE-BUTTON OPERATION - The BACtrack Scout is extremely easy to use. Simply insert the two included AAA batteries, power on your breathalyzer and begin testing. It's that easy. Your BAC results are displayed 10 seconds later on a bright LCD screen.
DOT/NHTSA COMPLIANT - Designed to meet the rigorous standards of expert alcohol screeners, from roadside law enforcement to hospital employees & treatment professionals, the Scout is compliant with US DOT & NHTSA regulations for alcohol screening devices.
SMALL & PORTABLE SIZE - The Scout is BACtrack's smallest professional breathalyzer, making it easy to take with you anywhere you go. Measuring just 4.25 x 1.875 x 0.625 inches, it's much smaller than an iPhone, and easily fits in a purse or pocket.
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - BACtrack stands behind every product we manufacture and sell, but if during the first year of operation any unit ceases to function properly, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge.
【HIGH PRECISION】：This Alcohol Tester adopted high-precision semiconductor alcohol sensor, just need only 5 seconds can give a result to judge whether you can drive or not
【EASY TO USE】:Just press the power button for 2 seconds to start the professional breathalyzer, wait for 20 seconds for warming-up, then blow with the tester for 5 seconds, the result will be ready after 3 seconds, and it will be displayed on the LCD screen for 15 seconds.(2 AA battery needed--not included)
【5 REPLACEABLE MOUTHPIECES】： This alcohol tester comes with 5 replaceable mouthpieces, and there are 2 embedded mouthpieces at the back of the product. You don't have to worry about forgetting to take mouthpiece when you are out.
【PORTABLE DESIGN】: This professional alcohol breathalyzer just need small space, can be easily carried in your wallet or pocket everywhere.Great for wedding, parties, feast or other social activities, ensures your safe driving after drinking.
【WARM TIPS】:There is a protective film on top of our product that can be torn off! It will give you an alarm by exuding the beep when the result is higher than 0.050% BAC or 0.500‰ BAC. AND The measurement range of each unit is 0〜0.199％BAC,0〜1.99g / L,0〜O.999mg / L,0〜199mg / 100M L,0〜1.99％oProm.
#1 RATED SMARTPHONE BREATHALYZER - "Comparing smartphone breathalyzers against the $890 unit used by the California Highway Patrol, only one was spot on with the police-grade model BACtrack Mobile." - The New York Times
ESTIMATE YOUR ALCOHOL LEVEL WITH PRO-GRADE ACCURACY - Powered by BACtrack's patented Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor, BACtrack Mobile utilizes the same professional-grade technology trusted by hospitals, clinics, and even law enforcement.
KNOW WHEN YOUR BAC WILL RETURN TO 0.00% - BACtrack's innovative ZeroLine technology estimates the time until your BAC is 0.00%, allowing you to make better decisions while drinking.
CALL AN UBER - Remember, the only safe time to drive is when your BACtrack shows 0.00%. Anything above that? You can call an Uber directly from the App.
ONE YEAR WARRANTY - If during the first year of operation any unit ceases to function properly, we will repair or replace the defective product at no charge ***when purchased from an authorized retailer***
Buying Guide to Select the Best Breathalyzers
Sensor and Performance
The breathalyzer is an instrument that, through the analysis of the exhaled alveolar air, allows to measure the concentration of alcohol in the blood. In particular, the component that detects the ethanol value is the sensor.
Before buying a breathalyzer, pay attention to the type and quality of the latter because it is the most sensitive and delicate part of the appliance and is altered by humidity, pollution, and other factors; sooner or later, it will have to be replaced.
On the market, there are numerous models with a very different cost. Compare prices and features but pay attention, therefore, to the sensor’s performance. A valid one should allow several hundred, if not thousands, of tests to be performed before being replaced.
The sensors can be a semiconductor, electrochemical, and infrared, but those for personal and non-professional use are the first that also have an affordable cost. Others may even cost thousands of euros, for example, those supplied to law enforcement.
In any case, the breathalyzer must have a high degree of accuracy to be able to get driving with an absolute peace of mind. The advice is to prefer models with a tolerance of no more than ± 10%.
The sensor itself does not have a short average life, the problem is the calibration that is lost over time, and it is, therefore, necessary to carry it out periodically. Most users, however, target those models that do not require it since they provide for the simple replacement of the sensor with a new one.
Dimensions and Mouthpieces
The size of the breathalyzer might make a difference to you. Some more equipped and complete models are even sold with a briefcase that, however practical, could prove too bulky for your needs.
In this case, the best brand of breathalyzers is the one that makes the smallest and most comfortable tools to always carry with you. Most of them, however, has a compact and light design that allows you to keep them in the glove compartment of the car or even in your purse.
There are, however, some models that are even pocket-sized and can always be kept with them as a key ring to carry out the test at any time and anywhere, without having to reach the car first, which, perhaps, is very far away.
We advise you to choose those models that have several individually sealed mouthpieces in the package – maybe four or five – and not just one. They are small plastic objects at a low price, but they are instrumental because they allow the test to be carried out quickly by several people.
Operation
The operation of the breathalyzers should not be complicated but, studying the user review, you could identify what seems the simplest of all, where the instructions in Italian are included which clearly explain how to set the values for each unit of measurement.
Some have two, others more, for example,% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration), ‰ BAC, mg / l or mg / 100 ml, useful when you are in a foreign country that uses detection parameters other than Italian ones.
In any case, it should take a few seconds to detect the amount of alcohol in the blood, and almost all models are equipped with an acoustic and visual alarm that warns the user if the previously set values have been exceeded. Finally, alcohol testers with the automatic switch-off function, to maximize battery life, are to be preferred.
Bluetooth
Driving safety is paramount, especially when going out in the evening and pulling your elbow a little. In addition to personal safety and that of others, you were driving. At the same time, intoxicated can lead to very high fines and the withdrawal of a license, in some cases, even criminal trials.
So getting a reliable breathalyzer like this can be the right solution. It is equipped with a Bluetooth connection, thanks to which it will be able to communicate with your smartphone for precise data visualization.
By downloading the free app on your smartphone, you can access all the information detected, so on display, it will be much clearer to check whether you are fit for driving or not. The breathalyzer does not have an LCD screen, so the only way to verify the information is to use the smartphone, a feature that in some cases can be limiting especially in situations where the battery is low or at the limit.
Information
Although for some, it is not exactly the maximum of comfort, the breathalyzer in question can provide a truly remarkable number of information that, in some cases, can save you a lot of trouble.
For example, with a particular algorithm, the breathalyzer is able even to calculate the recovery time that you will use to eliminate alcohol from the body and thus resume driving. Ideal if you are away from home and the taxi is out of the question, wait for the indicated time to pass, and you can safely get behind the wheel.
Speaking of taxis, in case you have exceeded the alcohol content permitted by law, the breathalyzer app will offer you the number of taxi companies in the city where you are. Finally, there is also the possibility of storing measurements and that of looking for a restaurant to have a bite to eat.
Design
The product has an ergonomic and compact design, ideal for storing it in the car dashboard, bag, or jacket pocket without cluttering too much. You can easily hold it in one hand; it also does not need to be recharged and will not even use that of the smartphone.
A beneficial idea that eliminates the need to carry yet another charger. In the package, you will find 50 spare spouts that can cover a reasonable period before having to be repurchased.
How to Use a Breathalyzer?
Get Behind the Wheel Sober
Calculating the ethanolamine ratio is essential before driving, not only to avoid severe penalties but also to preserve one’s own and others’ safety. Having one of these devices during the wildest evenings can help you keep an eye on the amount of alcohol you ingest.
It is possible to find different types, based on the sensor they are equipped with: semiconductor, electrochemical, and infrared. Those on the market, and at low cost, fall into the first category. They have a limited duration and are influenced by humidity and pollution. Usually, the manufacturer indicates the maximum number of uses before replacing the sensor or the entire device.
Tolerance Rate
Compared to those used by law enforcement agencies, which are much more expensive, they are more imprecise and have a decidedly high tolerance rate that must not exceed ± 10%. The returned value must, therefore, be taken with pliers and try to avoid getting behind the wheel if you fall slightly within the threshold allowed by the traffic regulations.
How to Use?
The use is straightforward, turn on the detector, wait for it to be ready, and when you receive the go-ahead via sound alarm or display, you can blow into the appropriate mouthpiece.
After a few seconds, the ethanol rate will be shown on the appropriate display or the proper phone app, if the breathalyzer communicates via Bluetooth with the smartphone.
If the device exceeds the legal threshold, depending on the model, it may emit audible and luminous warnings to attract your attention and advise you to wait before getting behind the wheel.
Purchase Additional Spouts
If you are in the company and want to perform an alcohol test on your friends to choose a sober driver, we recommend that you have additional plastic spouts, possibly sealed and disposable. This way, you don’t have to share yours and risk distorting the results. You can find for sale different models that offer practical cases to always keep in the car to perform the test at any time.
