Do you need a Geiger counter for home or office? We have already done 72 hours of research to give you the list of top Geiger counters from the market. What we did is brought 19 popular Geiger counter from the market and did some tests, so that we can figure out the five top quality Geiger counters. In addition to tests, we also brought in 8 experts who have years of experience with such devices.
You can directly go to our top picks to pick one for yourself. If you are too confused, we have created a buyer’s guide to help you during your buying process. So, let’s start.
Top Picks
Top 5 Geiger Counters
1. RADEX RD1503+ Safety PRO – Editor’s Choice
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The Radex RD1503 is one of the bestselling radiation detectors that you can buy today. When we saw it for the first time, it looked like a very simple device to use. Yes, it is a scientific device but can be used by anyone. It operates on 2 AAA batteries. When we turned it on for the first time, we liked the fact that there is nothing fancy about it. The reading is right there on the screen for you to see.
We dug deeper into its features to see what makes it so popular. You may be worried about the immediate danger, so may focus only on detecting the current radiation level but Radex RD1503+ can also tell the level of radiation build over time. All you have to do is switch to accumulative dose mode. It is a good feature to have for a Geiger counter. It keeps you on your toes. Another thing we liked that you can change the level of audio alarm as well as the vibration signal.
- Certified for accuracy.
- Rechargeable.
- You can see immediate as well as the accumulative results.
- Simple to use.
- Very simple ergonomics.
- Maybe expensive compared to a few of its competitors.
Bottom Line
If you want to keep track of radiation over a long period, the RD1503+ is good with that. We believe it is one of the best radiation detectors at present.
2. Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 – Best For Preppers
Mazur is another popular manufacturer of radiation detectors. Currently there many different variants of Mazur Geiger counter like Mazur Instruments PRM-7000, Mazur Instruments PRM-9000, etc. But after tests, we found that Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 is the most sensitive one that is why we included it on our list. The overall look is quite good but seems a little big on fatter site. For instance, if you want to carry it in your pocket, it might not be comfortable.
If you look at the other feature, we found that beeper is quite loud. It is good to have a loud beeper in case of radiation goes beyond the limit. However, if you do not want to alarm others, you can always use headphone. We tested its standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can hear all the beeps and notification.
- Highly sensitive sensor.
- Can store data of radiation reading over a long period.
- Can transfer data to your computer via TeraTerm software.
- Loud alarms.
- Measures broad spectrums of radiation.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
The counter may seem expensive, but it is because it can detect a broad spectrum of radiation due to a sensitive sensor. If you’re going for sensitivity, take our words nothing beats this Mazur Geiger counter.
3. GQ GMC300EPlus – Best For Budget Conscious Users
Getting a Geiger counter can be an expensive affair but it doesn’t have to be. If you are on a budget and you cannot afford to spend a $300 or $500 on it, you don’t have to settle for the crappy detector. The GQ GMC300EPlus is a great budget-friendly option. Good news is it has everything that a Geiger counter must have. Yes, you will see something missing here and there, but it will do your job. It is manufactured by GD Electronics. Firstly, we loved the size of the detector. It is really small and compact. One of our team carried it in his pants like a phone. Being so compact, the LCD display is large, and fonts are large too.
Many Geiger counter uses A type batteries which requires replacement, but this GQ geiger counter uses a lithium-ion battery which is rechargeable. You can also power it via USB cable. Just because of this we believe that it can become a part of the survival kit.
- Very compact display.
- Very easy to use.
- Free software to analyze the data on the computer.
- Can see the data in graph form right on the device.
- Uses recharge battery as well as DC supply via USB.
- Built quality is not great.
Bottom Line
If you are on tight budget but still want an effective Geiger counter, GQ GMC300EPlus is a great option.
4. RADEX ONE Personal RAD Safety – Best Portable Kit
Radex has many good products, but all are different in some or other way. The RADEX ONE Personal RAD Safety is different than the one we described earlier. It is designed for being portable. It is so compact that you can hide it in your fist. The weight of it is only 1.5 ounces. Not many Geiger counter we tested were lighter than RADEX ONE. However, we felt that display was too small. For people with weak eyesight, to read the display would be hard.
As for the ergonomics, there are only two buttons, set and mode. For a portable Geiger counter, having such low buttons to deal with is great. You won’t be able to do too much with the display, but if you want to analyze the data, you can always connect the detector to the computer. You get Radex data center software for free. We installed it on our computer. Using software we were able to analyze data of the past few hours.
- Highly portable.
- Only two buttons to make the usage very easy.
- With AAA battery you have 3000 hours of life.
- The sensor is highly sensitive.
- 10-second measurement cycle.
- The display could have been little bigger.
Bottom Line
If you want to have Geiger counter which can be carried in a pocket like a pen, nothing beats Radex One. You also get a belt clip with it which is useful if you want to keep track of radiation while working on something else.
5. Geiger Counter Terra-P – Best For Military Grade Construction
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It is another portable Geiger counter that we tested. However, it is not bigger that Radex One but what goes is the quality. It is officially used in the Ukranian Army that is why the built quality is good. To give you an idea of its quality, we did a small drop test on it. We dropped it from a height of 6 feet and survived the drop. It can check the radiation on almost any kind of household items as well as the vegetation like a mushroom.
As for the ergonomics of the Geiger Counter Terra-P there only two buttons. This makes it a portable device. The buttons are Threshold and Mode. You get a leather case if you want to keep it safe and protect it from moisture.
- Shockproof.
- Battery level indicator.
- Big enough LCD for a portable detector.
- Not expensive compared to its competitor.
- Can set different audio alarms for different thresholds.
- May struggle to detect a low level of radiation.
Bottom Line
If you want a shockproof Geiger counter for your survival kit, Geiger Counter Terra-P is a really good option. We also believe it best for preppers.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider?
Buying a Geiger counter for home or office or your survival kit could get confusing as there are number types of Geiger counters. Each one has their advantages and disadvantages. It’s your needs and budget that will decide what kind of Geiger is suitable for you. However, if you want to evaluate Geiger counters so that you can choose the right one, then you have to consider these following factors:
1. Method Of Detection
Generally, there are two methods- gas tube identification and pancake tube. But you have to understand no method is better than other. Both methods serve their purpose. If you want to detect alpha and beta radiation, then you can get a gas tube identification based Geiger counter. But if you want to focus on high-intensity gamma rays, then we suggest getting a Geiger counter that uses pancake tube.
So before you purchase a Geiger counter, find out what you want to detect. If you want a Geiger counter that can detect all we suggest No products found.. It can detect all the radiations.
2. Ease of Use
This is another important factor that can affect your decision. Why is it important? The big reason is not all are scientists. A Geiger counter must be able to show the radiation level fast and in a way that an average Joe must be able to understand it. Another thing is it must be able to warn you if the radiation level is over the desired level.
Most of the user we interacted during our research, they buy Geiger counter for their survival kit. These users are called preppers. In the case of nuclear catastrophe, you want a detector that is easy to use and not the most complicated one because your life will depend on the fact that how fast you detect the radiation.
3. Display
All the information a Geiger counter detects is shown on its LCD. Most of the detectors we have on our list have an LCD display. Biggest concerned you must have with the display is that you should be able to read the fonts. If the numbers are not readable with naked eyes than having Geiger counter is of no use. One thing you have to understand that the smaller Geiger counter you buy, smaller will be the display.
However if you still want a compact Geiger counter but with readable display then we recommend you consider Geiger counters like RADEX ONE Personal RAD Safety and No products found. both has small display. But the good thing is the font take up the maximum room on display to make them visible.
4. Quality
Quality is an absolute must. You do not want your Geiger counter to work for only a few months. Geiger counter must be sturdy enough to withstand different conditions. Most probably you might be using the Geiger counter in the harshest conditions. It should be able to withstand moisture, heat and other conditions. If you want one of the toughest Geiger counters, you can buy No products found.. This Geiger counter is of military grade.
5. Connectivity
Connectivity means the Geiger counter’s ability to connect to a computer. By having this connectivity, you can study and analyze the data in a much better way. The detector’ display is not functional enough to provide you everything, but with having proper software on the computer, you can see the different patterns over a period. Some software even helps you map out the different radiation zones which can be a useful thing to have in case of nuclear disaster.
The No products found. comes with one of the best software to analyze the data. You can learn more about the software from the official site of the manufacturer. The GQ GMC300EPlus is another Geiger counter that comes with great software.
6. Battery
Generally, there are two types of batteries used for the Geiger counter A-type batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The A-type batteries are replaceable. Hence, they will be the best option during disaster type situation where power outage is inevitable. And the rechargeable batteries are very good if you have a power source.
How We Conduct Tests?
Testing Geiger counter was difficult for us because it involves radiation. It is not possible to get any radioactive elements for Geiger counter tests. But we contacted labs those who can help us detect the accuracy of these counter. However, most of the manufacturers get certification for their detector which made our job easier. Other than accuracy, we were able to test out the features and other aspects of the Geiger counter in our lab.
We started by getting 19 popular Geiger counter for testing. We hired eight experts who have a good amount of experience in these kinds of devices. They helped us to understand how the Geiger counter works and how each model is different from others. Once we had enough knowledge, we devised different tests based on the parameters like the ease of use, battery, quality, accuracy, and software.
In addition to tests, we wanted to learn from the users who have hands-on experience of using Geiger counter. One that cannot be emulated in a test environment is the experience of a real-life situation. That is why one of the major factors we consider is the what a user thing about particular model after using it for months or years.
After considering all the tests results, expert views and user reviews, we asked our team to score each model on parameters accuracy, ease of use, and software. After calculating the overall score, we were able to sort out the 6 Geiger counters for our list. You can check the scorecard of our top 6 Geiger counters:
Product | Accuracy | Usage | Software | Overall | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RADEX RD1503+ Safety PRO | 98.2 | 98.4 | 98.3 | 98.3 | No products found. |
Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 | 98.4 | 97.9 | 98.1 | 98.1 | Check Price |
GQ GMC300EPlus | 97.4 | 98.1 | 97.6 | 97.7 | Check Price |
RADEX ONE Personal RAD Safety | 98.2 | 96.4 | 97.6 | 97.4 | Check Price |
Geiger Counter Terra-P | 97.6 | 96.9 | 96.6 | 96.9 | No products found. |
FAQs
1. Is Geiger counter safe?
Yes, they are completely safe to have it around. They do not produce any radiation. In fact, they detect all kinds of radiations.
2. What kind of radiation does Geiger counter detect?
It detects almost all kinds of radiation. The most common type of radiations are beta particles and gamma rays.
3. Does a Geiger counter has its own radiation?
No, it does not have its own radiation. It is filled with another gas that it becomes conductive when exposed to charged particles.
4. Can a Geiger meter detector radon?
No Geiger matters are not equipped to detect radon gas. In order to detect radon gas you require a specific radon detector.
5. What is the normal radiation level?
Normally there is background radiation that most people are exposed to. This normal range lies between 1.5 to 3.5 millisievert per year.
6. What is the most dangerous level of radiation that can Geiger meter can detect?
Anything around 1000 millisievert per year is considered to be the most dangerous level of radiation.
7. What you need does a Geiger meter used?
The most common unit used by Geiger meters is click per minute or CPM.
8. Why does a Geiger counter crackle?
When the inert gases inside the Geiger meter are exposed to two charged particles, it causes and ionization reaction. This reaction is the main cause of the crackling sound.
Final Thought
If radioactivity goes beyond extreme level, it is one of the most dangerous phenomenon on earth. The Geiger counter is the first step to protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Hence, having the a Geiger counter is a must. You cannot compromise on it. During our tests, we have tried to test the product in every possible way. Based on tests we have to provide our reviews. These reviews will help you find the right detector for your home or office. The only thing you have to do now is to identify what are your requirements and how much you can spend on it. Based on your needs and budget, choose the Geiger counter from our list.
Mazur Instruments PRM-9000- Editor's Choice
Summary
If you want to keep track of radiation over a long period, the RD1503+ is good with that. We believe it is one of the best radiation detectors at present.
Max range of terra-p is 5000 uSv/hr not 999