Tools for monitoring air velocity, temperature, and volume flow include air flow meters. These tools are often utilized in a variety of fields, including as research, environmental monitoring, and HVAC. Extech and Testo are two of the most well-known brands of air flow meters available, while there are other brands as well. In order to assist you choose the one that is ideal for your needs, we will compare the three best seller air flow meters of Extech instruments with the three most popular Testo air flow meters in this post.
AN300 Extech
Extech’s AN300 hot-wire anemometer monitors humidity, temperature, and air velocity. It has a flexible probe that is great for measuring in difficult-to-reach spots, and it includes a tripod for accurate and stable readings.The AN300 additionally has a dual backlit display with 8,000 data points of storage that shows the measurements in real-time. It boasts cutting-edge features including a zero function and a low friction ball bearing vane wheel for precise and dependable readings. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
SDL300 by Extech
A digital thermo-anemometer that monitors air volume, temperature, humidity, and speed is called the Extech SDL300. It has a removable probe that makes storage and transportation simple, and it has a protective carrying bag for extra security. The SDL300 also has a backlit display that can record up to 99 data points and displays the values in real-time. For ease of use, it boasts cutting-edge features such an automated zero function and a low battery indication. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
the Extech HD350
A heavy-duty thermo-anemometer that monitors air volume, temperature, humidity, and velocity is called the Extech HD350. It is the perfect tool for collecting measurements in ducts and vents since it has a telescopic probe that can stretch up to 3 feet. For additional protection while being transported and stored, the HD350 also comes with a sturdy carrying case. It offers sophisticated features including a hold function that fixes the current reading on the display, a min/max function that shows the lowest and highest readings for a specified period, and a low battery indication for ease of use. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
Testo 417:
A vane anemometer called the Testo 417 monitors volume flow, temperature, and air velocity. It is the perfect tool for collecting measurements in ducts and vents since it has a telescopic probe that can reach up to 3 feet. The 417 also has a backlit display that can record up to 99 data points and displays the results in real-time. It offers sophisticated features including a hold function that freezes the current reading on the display, a min/max function that shows the lowest and highest readings for a specified period, and an easy-to-use low battery indication. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
Testo 405i
A thermal anemometer called the Testo 405i monitors volume flow, temperature, and air velocity. It is a user-friendly choice because it is made to be used with a smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth. Moreover, the 405i has a hold function that freezes the reading that is now visible on the display and a min/max function that shows the values that were lowest and highest during a specific time period. The Testo Smart Probes App that is included with it makes it simple to examine and analyze data on a smartphone or tablet. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
Testo 425
hot-wire anemometer called the Testo 425 monitors volume flow, temperature, and air velocity. It has a telescopic probe with a 2-foot maximum extension range, making it perfect for measuring in ducts and vents. The 425 also has a backlit display that can record up to 99 data points and displays the values in real-time. It offers sophisticated features including a hold function that stops the current reading from appearing on the display and a min/max function that shows the readings at the lowest and highest points during a specified time. This device uses batteries and features an energy-saving automated power-off feature.
Comparison:
We have put up a comparison chart of the six types we talked about to assist you in deciding which air flow meter is ideal for your requirements. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score, we have given each model a rating.
Model | Extech AN300 | Extech SDL300 | Extech HD350 | Testo 417 | Testo 405i | Testo 425 |
Air Velocity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Temperature | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Humidity | 5 | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Air Volume | N/A | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Telescoping Probe | N/A | N/A | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
Smartphone App | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5 | N/A |
Data Storage | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Durability | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Battery Life | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Overall Score | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 |
The Extech HD350 and the Testo 425 are the top air flow meters for those who require a telescoping probe, according to the comparison table. These types scored highly for air velocity, temperature, air volume, and durability, making them excellent for measuring in ducts and vents. Hot-wire anemometers Extech AN300 and Testo 417 both earned excellent ratings for air velocity, temperature, and humidity. All of these devices include a lighted display for simple viewing, making them perfect for collecting measures in difficult-to-reach areas. Both the Extech SDL300 and the Testo 405i are straightforward digital thermo-anemometers. They obtained excellent ratings for data storage, temperature, and air velocity. Because of its Bluetooth functionality and smartphone app, the Testo 405i distinguishes out.
To help you compare the best-selling Extech and Testo air flow meters, we have created the following table based on their features and specifications:
Model | Extech AN300 | Extech SDL300 | Extech HD350 | Testo 417 | Testo 405i | Testo 425 |
Measures | Air velocity, temperature, and humidity | Air velocity, temperature, humidity, and air volume | Air velocity, temperature, humidity, and air volume | Air velocity, temperature, and volume flow | Air velocity, temperature, and volume flow | Air velocity, temperature, and volume flow |
Probe | Flexible | Detachable | Telescoping | Telescopic | Telescopic | Vane |
Display | Dual display, backlit | Backlit | Backlit | Backlit | Smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth | Backlit |
Data Storage | 8,000 data points | 99 data points | 99 data points | 99 data points | Testo Smart Probes App | 99 data points |
Features | Tripod, automatic power-off, low battery indicator | Automatic zero function, automatic power-off, low battery indicator | Hard carrying case, automatic power-off, low battery indicator | Hold function, min/max function, automatic power-off, low battery indicator | Hold function, min/max function, Bluetooth connectivity | Protective cap, hold function, min/max function, automatic power-off, low battery indicator |
| Power | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery |
It might be difficult to select the best air flow meter, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the many features and capabilities of each type. Two of the most well-known brands on the market, Extech and Testo, both provide a variety of air flow meters with various features.
We can conclude that the Extech HD350 and the Testo 425 are the top air flow meters after evaluating the six models we evaluated in this post. These devices garnered excellent ratings across the board and, because to their telescopic probes, are perfect for collecting measurements in ducts and vents. Also, they are strong and have a long battery life.
Your unique demands and requirements will determine which air flow meter is ideal for you. The Extech AN300 and the Testo 417 are both great choices if you need to take measurements in difficult-to-reach spots. The Extech SDL300 and the Testo 405i are both excellent options if you want a digital thermo-anemometer with user-friendly features.
It’s crucial to take into account the qualities that are most important to you, such as data storage, durability, battery life, telescopic probes, air volume, temperature, humidity, and air velocity. You may select the air flow meter that best meets your requirements by carefully examining these aspects.
Air flow meters are necessary equipment for HVAC specialists, industrial hygienists, and other people who need to monitor air flow and other environmental parameters. Two of the leading companies in this sector, Extech and Testo, provide a selection of premium air flow meters with various features and functionalities. You may select the air flow meter that satisfies your particular demands and requirements by contrasting the best models from each manufacturer.
