The Best Personal Breathalyzers
We reviewed six personal breathalyzers based on owner ratings, expert reviews, and video verdicts. The BACtrack S80 is our top pick for its professional-grade accuracy and reliability.
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The bottom line
The BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer is our top pick for a personal breathalyzer, thanks to its professional-grade accuracy, FDA clearance, and high user satisfaction with an 8.8/10 aggregate rating from 8469 owners. The BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer is a strong runner-up, offering similar accuracy in a more portable form factor for $69.99. For a budget option, the Breathalyzer, Portable High-Accuracy Breathalyzers for Alcohol with LCD Digital Display offers a surprisingly good 4.4/5 rating from 18 owners at just $19.99, though it lacks the extensive user base and professional endorsements of the top picks.
BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer $129.99
Best overall breathalyzer for accuracy and reliability
The BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer has professional-grade accuracy, FDA clearance, and high user satisfaction with an 8.8/10 aggregate rating from 8469 owners. Priced at $129.99, it provides peace of mind for those who want to ensure they are below the legal limit before driving. The tradeoff is its higher price, which may be steep for some users.
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BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer $69.99
Best portable breathalyzer for convenience and accuracy
The BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer has professional-grade accuracy in a compact, keychain-sized form factor. With a 4.2/5 rating from 7089 owners and priced at $69.99, it balances portability and reliability. The tradeoff is its slightly lower user satisfaction compared to the S80, though it remains a strong choice for those prioritizing convenience.
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Breathalyzer, Portable High-Accuracy Breathalyzers for Alcohol with LCD Digital Display $19.99
Best budget breathalyzer for basic accuracy
The Breathalyzer, Portable High-Accuracy Breathalyzers for Alcohol with LCD Digital Display has a 4.4/5 rating from 18 owners at just $19.99. While it lacks the extensive user base and professional endorsements of the top picks, it offers a cost-effective option for those looking for basic accuracy. The tradeoff is its smaller user base and lower overall satisfaction compared to the top picks.
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- BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer Best for professional-grade accuracy and reliability 9.0/10 $129.99 Amazon
- BACtrack C6 Keychain Breathalyzer Best portable option with professional-grade accuracy 8.0/10 $69.99 Amazon
- Breathalyzer, Portable High-Accuracy Breathalyzers for Alcohol with LCD Digital Display Best budget option for basic accuracy 7.0/10 $19.99 Amazon
- BACtrack C8 Breathalyzer Good handheld option with innovative features 7.0/10 $89.99 Amazon
- BACtrack Go Keychain Breathalyzer Portable keychain option with mixed accuracy reports 6.0/10 $42.99 Amazon
- Portable Breathalyzer Test for Alcohol Least recommended due to technical issues and low satisfaction 3.0/10 $39.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The BACtrack S80 and C6 have professional-grade accuracy and ease of use, making them reliable choices for ensuring you're below the legal limit before driving. The C6's keychain size adds convenience for those who want to carry it with them at all times. The budget option, the Breathalyzer, Portable High-Accuracy Breathalyzers for Alcohol with LCD Digital Display, offers basic accuracy at a lower price point, though it lacks the extensive user base and professional endorsements of the top picks.
What owners complain about after buying
Some owners of the BACtrack S80 and Go Keychain Breathalyzer have reported issues with calibration and inconsistent readings. The Portable Breathalyzer Test for Alcohol has received particularly poor reviews, with owners citing technical issues and product failures. It's important to consider these complaints when choosing a breathalyzer, as they can impact the device's reliability and accuracy.