A personal breathalyzer is a small, portable device that you can use to ensure you are not exceeding the legal limit for alcohol consumption. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is highly irresponsible and extremely dangerous to yourself, your passengers and other drivers / pedestrians. Having the ability to test your blood alcohol levels yourself will not only help you avoid costly traffic tickets and face the possibility of losing your license, but it will keep you and others safe. These devices are small enough to carry in your purse or slip into your pocket with no trouble at all. Use the following information to find a reliable breathalyzer that you can keep on hand at all times.
Tips for Choosing the Best Personal Breathalyzer
• Look for a breathalyzer that is small enough and lightweight enough to carry with you at all times.
• Your breathalyzer should be FDA, DOT, and NHTSA approved to ensure you are getting accurate and reliable results every time you use it. Most portable breathalyzers are rigorously tested by the Department of Transportation, and the results are often listed in the product description.
• Breathalyzers that are used by, or recommended by, law enforcement, clinics, and hospitals are best.
• Look for easy to read LCD display screens that will quickly give you the results of your test. Some high-end options will connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth for added convenience.
Here’s our list of the best personal breathalyzers
BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer
Here’s one of the very best breathalyzers on the market. Designed to match the breathalyzer tests administered by the California Highway Patrol, this is one of the only tests available that use your smartphone. It uses Zeroline technology to tell you when your BAC reaches a zero percentage and works with Uber. This function makes it easy to get a cab when you can’t drive yourself. Compatible with Google, Samsung and Apple devices, this breathalyzer test lets you keep track of your BAC and know instantly when it’s safe to drive. You can breathe into the test to get your BAC and keep track of that data on the downloaded app. One nice feature is that it lets you test your BAC to see if you can guess your current reading, which gives you a good idea of how well you can function and make decisions as you drink.
AlcoHAWK PRO FC Breathalyzer
Whether you drink at home or a friend’s house, you can use this breathalyzer to test your BAC before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. It has a durable design and is accurate at all times to give you the same readings a police officer’s breathalyzer test would. This test has a wide testing range and will give you a reading of between .000 and .400 and will work through thousands of tests. The manufacturer does recommend that you calibrate the test at least once a year or after you get 200 readings. It takes only 15 seconds to power on the breathalyzer and get it ready for testing. You’ll find buttons on the front that tell you when the breathalyzer is ready to use and when the battery is low. It also has a fitted mouthpiece that prevents air from mixing with your saliva to provide a more accurate reading.
AlcoHAWK Elite Slim Breathalyzer
If you want a breathalyzer that you can slip in your pocket and carry with you, this elite model is the best option for you. It has a slim design that saves space and a backlit LCD display that lets you clearly view the BAC reading it shows. The mouthpiece located on the side of the device folds flat to take up even less space and has a comfortable design that won’t rub against your mouth. Once you breathe into the mouthpiece, the device will beep to let you know when it has a big enough sample and automatically sends the results to the display screen. This model also shows the current temperature and the number of tests it performed on that screen. It takes only 30 seconds to provide a sample for the breathalyzer, and it gives you a two-digit BAC reading.
AlcoMATE Premium AL7000 Professional Breathalyzer
Similar to the same breathalyzer tests that police officers carry in the field, this breathalyzer has a professional design that makes it suitable for use at home or the bar. It comes pre-calibrated so there’s no need for recalibration at all. It can detect the exact percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream from a range of between .000 and .400 and is accurate to within 0.01 percent of your actual BAC. You only need to press one button on this device to turn it on and then breathe into the mouthpiece to get a reading. It remains just as accurate during its 500th test as it does the first. The PRISM technology designed by the manufacturer reduces the need for future calibrations and lets the breathalyzer provide valid results for a longer period of time. You can also replace the sensor panel as needed in just a few minutes because it comes off easily from the breathalyzer.
BACtrack S80 Personal Breathalyzer
The BACtrack S80 Professional Breathalyzer is an accurate, easy to use, and reliable way to ensure you are under the legal limit. The Bactrack Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor powers this device which will give you accurate results within a third decimal point. It is the brand trusted by the police force, hospitals, and clinics. It easily operates with two AA batteries. Results are given on the display screen within ten seconds of use. This personal breathalyzer is FDA 510(k) cleared and NHTS and DOT approved. It comes with a one year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee. With a weight of 5.6 ounces and measuring 2.3 by 0.8 by 4.8 inches, this device is small enough to carry along anywhere you go.
A Handy Keychain Breathalyzer Portable Breath Alcohol Tester From BACtrack.
The BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer has an ultra-compact design. Even though it is small in size, this breathalyzer uses the same reliable advanced micro-check sensor technology used for accuracy in all of the BACtrack products. The fold out mouthpiece allows only your breath to go in. All fumes, ambient air, and airborne gasses are blocked out. It is easy to use with a one touch operation. Turn the power on, and your results are delivered on an easy to read, bright LCD display screen within seconds. This is one of the smallest personal breathalyzers with a weight of only 3.2 ounces and measuring just 1.4 by 0.6 by 2.4 inches.
BACtrack Trace Professional Breathalyzer Portable Breath Alcohol Tester
This model of BACtrack Professional Breathalyzer provides you with police grade accuracy. It includes BACtrack’s Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor that law enforcement, clinics, and hospitals know and trust. It is simple to operate. It requires three AAA batteries, and it turns on with one touch. BAC results are shown on the LCD display screen within 10 seconds of use.
Your last ten readings are saved on the built-in flashback memory for you. This device is NHTS and DOT approved and is designated as an approved breath alcohol screening device by the U.S. Department of Transportation & National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes with a one year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee. The small portable size measures 4.2 by 1.9 by 0.6 inches, and it weighs only 3 ounces.
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Breathalyzer Keychain Digital Alcohol Tester Detector Breath Analyzer
This Breathalyzer Keychain Digital Alcohol Tester can be used in many different situations. This includes personal use and clinical testing. It can quickly give you a reading with its advanced semiconductor alcohol sensing technology. It only takes 10 seconds to warm up, and you will have the results within 5 seconds after use.
The LED display screen lets you know at a glance what your alcohol level is. It also warns you whether it is safe, unsafe, or dangerous. The word “caution” appears when your level is within 0.02% to 0.05%, and it displays “danger” once you are at a 0.05% or higher. This device uses two AAA batteries and comes with four attachments. It weighs only 0.8 ounces, and it measures 6 by 5 by 2 inches.
BACtrack Vio Smartphone Keychain Breathalyzer for iPhone and Android Devices
The biggest benefit of the BACtrack Vio Smartphone Keychain Breathalyzer for iPhone and Android Devices is the technology packed into such a small design that easily slips in your pocket or purse. It can also be used as a keychain. This device connects wirelessly to your Android or IOS device with Bluetooth. Use the BACtrack app to store your results as well as take notes, photos, a keep a drinking log. The Proprietary ZeroLine Technology can even give you an estimate of when you can expect your alcohol levels to return to 0.0%. It is compatible with most Android Smartphones or iPhone devices. It weighs 2.1 ounces, and it measures 0.6 by 1 by 2.8 inches.
BACtrack S35 Breathalyzer Portable Breath Alcohol Tester
The BACtrack S35 Breathalyzer Portable Breath Alcohol Tester is an affordable, small scale device that provides accurate and trusted results with its semiconductor sensor. It has an ultra-portable design that fits in the palm of your hand easily. This stylish breathalyzer uses powerful proprietary sensing technology along with a specially tuned algorithm to deliver accurate BAC results. It is easy to use. You simply turn the device on, blow into it for five seconds, and wait for your results on the Caribbean Blue LCD screen. Readings are accurate from 0.00 to 0.40%, and it meets all FDA standards. It comes with a one year warranty, and it measures 2.5 by 2.2 by 0.7 inches with a weight of 0.6 ounces.
Portable Breath Alcohol Tester, Professional Breathalyzer Police LCD Display by Ebro
This highly sensitive Portable Breath Alcohol Tester includes an advanced flat surfaced sensor, and it is convenient and simple to use anywhere at any time. It uses very little power and has a long life span. The auto power-off helps conserve power. It includes a one touch operation with rapid test results. Audible alert and a blue backlight LCD display screen give you your results quickly. It meets all federal requirements for a personal breathalyzer, and it is highly accurate. The keychain gives you the option of having it with you at all times.
Advanced Keychain Breathalyzer with LCD Display by Homasey
The Advanced Keychain Breathalyzer with LCD Display by Homasey gives you your alcohol levels whenever you are in doubt. Results appear within seconds, and this device is quite simple to use. The convenient backlit LCD display screen is easy to read with accurate and reliable results. The advanced semiconductor oxide alcohol sensor includes a range of 0.00 to 0.5% BAC. Once the breathalyzer is turned on you only have to wait 10 seconds for it to warm up. Results are given within 5 seconds of use. The durable design will resist day to day wear whether you use it as a keychain or just clip it in your car. It operates on two AAA batteries.
GREENWON Professional Breathalyzer – Comes with an LCD Display Digital and Semi-conductor Sensor – 5 Mouthpieces
The GREENWON Professional Breathalyzer is a convenient device that measures your BAC any place you go. The easy to carry design features an audible alert and digital alcohol tester that uses a semiconductor sensor for accurate results. Warm up time is a quick ten seconds, and you will have your reading within five seconds after use. An auto power off feature will save battery life. Two AAA batteries are required to operate the low voltage indicator. Five mouth pieces are included in the purchase of this breathalyzer that measures 118 by 70 by 28 mm.
Personal Breathalyzer FAQs
Why Should You Invest in a Breathalyzer?
There are some great reasons to buy a breathalyzer test for home or public use. The biggest is probably because it will reduce the issues associated with a driving under the influence charge. A DUI can result in the loss of your license and some stiff fines and other penalties too. These tests can give you the accurate reading that you need to know before you risk driving home.
What is the Best Way to Use a Breathalyzer?
While a breathalyzer can give you accurate readings, the accuracy increases when you use the test in the right way. You generally want to avoid putting anything in your mouth for at least 20 minutes before taking the test. This includes rinsing with a mouthwash that contains alcohol or smoking a cigarette. You want to make sure that the mouthpiece is clear and that you form a tight seal on it with your mouth. Most tests require that you breathe into this mouthpiece for up to five seconds, though some may ask for a larger sample.
Is There Any Way to Cheat a Breathalyzer Test?
If you’re out and about and see flashing lights behind you after a night of drinking, you might feel tempted to try and cheat a breathalyzer test. Some people claim that you should drink mouthwash or soda with caffeine because this will interfere with your results. Most of the tips that you hear are urban legends that don’t work, including holding a copper penny in your mouth when you take the test and grabbing a cup of hot coffee before you submit a sample. Even if you pass a breathalyzer test, police officers can still request that you pass a field sobriety test or bring you into the station for additional testing.
Are Breathalyzers Really Accurate?
As long as you take care of the device and calibrate it as needed, a personal breathalyzer will be accurate. Most of the leading designs are similar to the devices that law enforcement professionals use in the field. Some are accurate to within two digits, but others will give you a reading in a four-digit format.
What is a BAC?
The term BAC is an abbreviation that stands for blood alcohol concentration. This is a reading that shows the exact percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. If you have a BAC of above .08 in most states, you are legally impaired. This reading can result in a DUI charge. The number of drinks that it takes to reach this limit can vary based on your weight, age, tolerance and other factors. With a breathalyzer, you can see your BAC and find out if you are legally impaired. You should keep in mind that many states have a zero-tolerance policy for those who are under the legal drinking age of 21. Those who have anything above a .000 reading can face a DUI charge.
Are There Any Signs That You’re Over the Limit?
People respond to alcohol in different ways, which is why you shouldn’t look for signs that a person is drunk or sober before getting into a car with that individual. Some of the signs that someone is drunk can include:
*Poor judgment and/or decision making skills
*Loss of balance
*Feelings of euphoria
*Loss of inhibitions
*Glossy eyes
Whether you decide to drive after having a few drinks or make the decision to get into a vehicle driven by a drunk driver, you risk your life and the lives of anyone else on the road. As people exhibit different symptoms as they drink, there is no way to tell if someone can safely operate a motor vehicle without taking a breathalyzer test.
What are the Advantages of a Disposable Breathalyzer?
A disposable breathalyzer is one that you use once and then throw it away. These are good for bar and restaurant owners who want to test their patrons and others who are concerned with their drinking or the drinking of others.
Different Types of Breathalyzers
Breathalyzer tests today come in a few different types that include all of the following.
Electrochemical fuel cell analyzer:
This type of breathalyzer has both a gold electrode and a platinum electrode inside the fuel cell. When you provide a sample, the alcohol will move through those electrodes and create electrons that help the device determine your BAC. A common issue found with some models is that they can produce false results due to contaminants such as environmental pollutants in the air or the acetone found in some diabetics. This type of test produces far less false results unless you recently had a drink before testing your BAC.
Semiconductor analyzer:
One of the cheapest and most affordable breathalyzers on the market is a semiconductor analyzer. These are a good option for those who want to test their BAC levels while at the bar or a game because they are small and compact. The semiconductor inside produces an electrical charge based on the amount of alcohol in the sample. These tests can produce false results in those who smoke and when you use on in a high altitude area.
Infrared optical sensor analyzer:
An infrared optical sensor analyzer is the only type of breathalyzer that uses lightwaves to determine BAC. When you provide a sample, the breathalyzer will identify the alcohol in your system based on those waves and produce a reading that shows your exact alcohol level. They have a microprocessor inside that sends a pulse to the screen, which is what tells you the BAC found.