It's no secret that drinking and driving are a dangerous mix. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents claim the lives of about 29 people each day in the United States. That's one death every 51 minutes.
What you may not know is that even a tiny amount of alcoholic beverages can impair your ability to drive safely. The NHTSA recommends that drivers abstain from alcohol completely if they plan to get behind the wheel. But sometimes it's hard to tell just how impaired you are, especially if you've only had a few drinks. That's where a breathalyzer comes in handy to help you maintain safe driving.
What Is a Breathalyzer?
A breathalyzer is a device that measures your blood alcohol content (BAC). It gives you an accurate reading of how much alcohol is in your system so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to drive.
There are many different types of breathalyzers on the market, and choosing the right one by personal preference can be tricky. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the best breathalyzers of 2022. We'll help you decide which model is right for you and teach you how to use it safely and effectively.
Breathalyzer Types
There are several types of breathalyzers on the market:
- Portable breathalyzers are small and lightweight, making them easy to take with you on the go. They typically use disposable sensors, which means that you don't have to clean or maintain them.
- Personal breathalyzers are larger than portable models, but they offer more features and functionality. They can be used for personal or professional purposes, and some models come with apps that allow you to track your BAC over time.
- Police grade breathalyzers are designed for law enforcement use. They're larger and more expensive than a personal breathalyzer, but they offer superior accuracy and can be used for roadside sobriety tests.
- Law enforcement breathalyzers are even more accurate than police grade models and are used by officers in the field to determine if someone is driving under the influence. They are usually NHTSA certified and come with a mouthpiece to prevent tampering.
Breathalyzer Features
There are a few key features to look for when shopping for a breathalyzer:
- Accuracy is the most important feature to consider in a breathalyzer. You want a device that can give you a reliable BAC reading so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to drive.
- Ease of use is another important consideration. You want a breathalyzer that's easy to operate, with clear instructions and a simple design.
- Mouthpieces are an important safety feature, especially if you're sharing your breathalyzer with others. A mouthpiece helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, and it also prevents tampering.
- The display is important for both accuracy and ease of use. Look for a breathalyzer with a large, easy-to-read display that shows your BAC level clearly.
- Battery life is another important consideration, especially if you're using a portable breathalyzer. You want a model with a long-lasting battery so you don't have to worry about it running out of power when you need it most.
- A compact design is important for portability, and you'll also want to consider the weight of the breathalyzer. The lighter the better, especially if you're carrying it around with you.
Best Breathalyzers: Our Top Picks
Our list of best breathalyzers includes some of the most accurate and reliable models on the market. The devices are easy to use, with a simple design and clear instructions. They come with a variety of features, including accuracy, mouthpieces, and displays. And they come in a variety of sizes and weights to suit your needs.
Best Personal Breathalyzer: BACtrack S80
BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer is a personal breathalyzer that offers professional-grade accuracy and ease of use. The compact, lightweight design is perfect for portability, and the large display is easy to read. The mouthpiece is detachable for easy cleaning, and the battery life is long-lasting.
The accurate readings are ensured by the advanced fuel cell sensor technology, while the one-button operation makes it very easy to use. You will get your results in seconds, and the battery life is more than 500 tests.
The BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer comes with a storage case, mouthpieces, and AA batteries.
This device is DOT & NHTSA approved for both professional and personal use.
Pros:
- Xtend fuel cell sensors.
- Accurate blood alcohol content reading.
- No false positives.
- One-button operation.
- Mouthpiece included.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Top Portable Pick: Bactrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer
Bactrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer is a small and lightweight breathalyzer that you can easily carry with you. It offers professional-grade accuracy, with a margin of error of 0.01%. The large display is easy to read, and the one-button operation is simple and straightforward.
The Bactrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer comes with two AAA batteries, a storage case, and a user manual.
It can wirelessly connect to iPhone, Google & Samsung Android, smartphones, and Apple watch.
This device is not only DOT & NHTSA approved for professional use, but it's also FDA cleared.
The sensor panel is very easy to use, and the Apple HealthKit compatibility makes it even easier to track your alcohol consumption.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- FDA cleared.
- The most accurate legal limit compliance.
- Optional wireless connectivity.
- Accurate readings.
- Simple to use.
Cons:
- May be too small to operate.
Police Grade Pick: BACtrack Element Breathalyzer
BACtrack Element Breathalyzer is a DOT & NHTSA compliant breathalyzer for both professional and personal use. It offers police-grade accuracy, with a margin of error of 0.005%. The large display is easy to read, and the one-button operation is simple and straightforward.
The BACtrack Element Breathalyzer comes with 2 AAA batteries, a storage case, and a user manual.
The size is only 4.25 x 1.875 x 0.625 inches, and it weighs only 6.4 ounces, which makes it one of the most portable breathalyzers on the market.
The extended sensor life and the one-touch operation make it a great choice for both personal and professional use.
Pros:
- Maximum accuracy.
- Used by law enforcement officials.
- BAC levels tracker.
- Extended sensor life.
- DOT & NHTSA compliant.
Cons:
- Some users state that the results are not the most accurate.
Great With Smartphone App: BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer
BACtrack offers a mobile smartphone breathalyzer that uses the power of your smartphone to deliver accurate readings. The app is very easy to use, and it offers a variety of features, including accuracy, mouthpieces, and displays. And it comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit your needs.
The BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer uses the power of your smartphone and the BACtrack's patented Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor to deliver accurate readings. The app is very easy to use, and it offers a variety of features, including accuracy, mouthpieces, displays, and more.
The BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit your needs. The compact design is perfect for portability, and the large display is easy to read.
This device is DOT & NHTSA approved for both professional and personal use.
Pros:
- Uses smartphone power.
- BACtrack's patented Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor.
- Very accurate readings.
- Easy to use app.
- Mouthpieces included.
- Professional setting.
- Compact and lightweight.
- DOT approved.
Cons:
- Some users find the app difficult to use.
Most Budget-Friendly: FFtopu Breathalyzer
FFtopu Breathalyzer is an alcohol tester with blue backlight LCD display. It offers a quick and easy way to test your blood alcohol content with the push of a button. The large display is easy to read, and the one-button operation is simple and straightforward.
The FFtopu Breathalyzer comes with 2 AAA batteries, 10 Mouthpieces, and a User Manual. It also comes with a Zipper Carrying Case for easy portability.
The sensor is very accurate, with a margin of error of 0.01%. The blue backlight LCD display is easy to read, even in the dark.
Pros:
- FDA cleared.
- Blue backlight LCD display.
- Accurate readings.
- One-button operation.
- Comes with a carrying case and 10 mouthpieces.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Some users find the unit not very accurate.
Great Value: Rofeer Digital Breathalyzer
Rofeer digital breathalyzer is equipped with an auto power off, sound alarm, and LED light indicator. It can measure your BAC accurately and show the results in% BAC or ‰BAC.
This unit is lightweight and portable, with a weight of only 2.65 oz. The dimensions are 4.53 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches, which makes it small enough to fit in your pocket.
The Rofeer Digital Breathalyzer is powered by 3 AAA batteries, which are included. The large LED display is easy to read, and the one-button operation is simple and straightforward.
This breathalyzer is FDA cleared and CE certified. It has a margin of error of 0.01% BAC, which makes it one of the most accurate units on the market.
Pros:
- FDA cleared and CE certified.
- Auto power off.
- Sound alarm.
- LED light indicator.
- Accurate readings.
- One-button operation.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Some users find the unit not very easy to use.
Best For Your Purse: BACtrack Ultra-Portable Pocket Breathalyzer
BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer is an ultra-portable pocket keyring breathalyzer. It is small enough to fit on your keychain or in your pocket, and it can measure your BAC accurately with the push of a button.
This device has been granted an honorable mention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its accuracy and portability.
The BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer is powered by 2 AAA batteries, which are included. The large LED display is easy to read, and the one-button operation is simple and straightforward.
The battery can also hold up for a long period or time, and it is very easily removable when needed.
Pros:
- Holds up to 1,000 readings.
- Granted an honorable mention by the NHTSA.
- Accurate readings.
- One-button operation.
- Ultra-portable and lightweight.
- Easy to change batteries.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Some users find the unit too small.
Best Overall: BACtrack Trace Breathalyzer
BACtrack Trace Breathalyzer is a professional grade breathalyzer that is used by law enforcement officials. It is one of the most accurate units on the market, with a margin of error of 0.005%.
The BACtrack Trace Breathalyzer uses fuel cell technology to deliver accurate readings. It has a large backlit LCD display that is easy to read, even in the dark.
The read display shows your BAC, time, and temperature. The unit also has a built-in printer that prints out your results.
Another benefit is a sleek design. The BACtrack Trace is small and compact, making it easy to carry with you.
A one year warranty is included.
Pros:
- One of the most accurate units on the market.
- Fuel cell technology to trace amounts of blood alcohol.
- Large backlit LCD display.
- Built-in printer.
- Sleek design.
- Small and compact.
- 1 year warranty.
Cons:
- None noted.
Best Breathalyzers: Our Conclusions
Breathalizers are handy devices that can help you determine if you've had too much to drink.
There are a lot of different breathalyzers on the market, and it can be hard to choose the right one. However, we have compiled a list of the best breathalyzers on the market, based on accuracy, features, and price.
If you are looking for the most accurate breathalyzer on the market, the BACtrack Trace is a great choice. It uses fuel cell technology to deliver accurate readings, and it has a margin of error of just 0.005%.
If you are looking for a breathalyzer that is small and portable, the BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer is an excellent choice. It is small enough to fit on your keychain or in your pocket, and it can deliver accurate readings with the push of a button.
If you are looking for an affordable breathalyzer, the Rofeer Digital Breathalyzer is a great option. It is FDA-cleared and CE-certified, and it has a margin of error of 0.01%.
If you want a breathalyzer that will easily fit your purse, the BACtrack Ultra-Portable Pocket Breathalyzer is the way to go. It is small and lightweight, and it can hold up to 1,000 readings.
Whether you need a breathalyzer for personal or professional use, there is an option on this list that will suit your needs. Choose the best breathalyzer for you, and stay safe on the road.
