Before we go into the best radiation detectors available let's be honest...
Talking about radiation can be daunting, it’s immediately connected with worse case scenarios and the historic cases of nuclear disasters.
But the fact is that a lot of everyday items emit a certain level of radiation.
We all come into contact with radiation in our day-to-day lives, and as long as the level of radiation is ‘safe’ we are not at any risk.
Whether you’re worried about a worst-case scenario or you’re just curious about the level of radiation you come into contact with a radiation detector will help in both situations.
There are a huge amount of radiation detectors on the market which can make it difficult to identify the best option, so which one to go for?
Below I look at the top 3 picks in more detail...
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OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite radiation detector on the market is the GQ EMF-390 meter.
Of all the different radiation detectors we looked at, GQ was one of the top brands, and this is the first of two GQ products on this list.
We’ve ranked this device so high because it has a huge amount of helpful features for identifying radiation.
The device has several highly sensitive sensors installed within it enabling it to detect any possible radiation coming from a variety of household items including smart meters, cell phones, and televisions.
This clever little meter can not only identify radiation but it also supplies potential sources of the radiation in the air.
This little device also has a built-in RF spectrum analyzer for real-time RF monitoring and built-in flash memory for data logging with timestamps.
This device also has a USB port within it which is utilized for communication and has an open communication protocol that allows you to send commands to the device and access all your data remotely.
Additionally, the GQ EMF-390 detects 5G network signal and can also gather RF up to 10GHz.
Finally, it has a safety suggestion that allows you to identify the current radiation situation and how bad it is.
With all these wonderful features in mind, there’s no doubt that this is the best option on the market.
Pros
- Highly sensitive sensors so if there's radiation there it should be picked up.
- Recognizes and identifies potential causes of radiation so you're not left guessing.
- Built-in RF spectrum analyzer helping you analyze.
- Open communication protocol.
- Built-in flash memory to save data.
- USB port for communication.
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
EDITORS CHOICE
We also loved the GMC300E Plus nuclear radiation detector by GQ.
This is a very close second to the first radiation detector by GQ on this list but it was narrowly beaten for the top spot.
This device also has a variety of great features which we think make it one of the best available.
The GMC300E is a lightweight, portable device that is easy to use if you’re traveling in areas that could potentially have radiation or to move around your home to find areas that could be emitting radiation.
Even better, this wonderful device is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
The GMC300E comes with a black/white LCD module and an LED indicator on the front of the device.
The device also has an audio data port allowing you to connect the radiation detector to a variety of third-party devices to view the data.
This radiation detector also has automatic data recording and will continually monitor radiation and log data onto the internal memory.
You also can connect the EMF reader to a computer. This allows the software to download the radiation data from the reader so that you can explore and analyze the data collected.
The device can be easily connected to your PC via the USB port.
If that isn’t enough, the device also has a built-in audio and visual signals that can accompany the level of radiation detected, emitting a louder noise if the radiation is at dangerous levels.
With all this considered, it’s clear that this is one of the best radiation detectors on the market.
Pros
- Compact and portable should you be on the move.
- Audible and visual warnings which make it super clear when there's a problem.
- Connect to your PC to analyze data.
- Automatic data recording so you don't have to worry about missing anything.
- Connect to a third-party device.
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
BEST VALUE
Another excellent radiation detector available is the KKMeter electromagnetic field radiation detector.
This is a great option as the radiation detector itself can complete two different tests to assess the radiation levels in the area.
Not only can the KKMeter measure and test the electromagnetic field radiation in the area but it will also assess the temperature of the area too.
This handy device can get accurate measurements on a variety of home appliances, from microwaves through to antiques, this device will tell you exactly how much radiation each piece is releasing.
If the radiation detector measures a piece of data that exceeds the ‘safe’ level of radiation, the meter will flash with a persistent red light and an alarm sound will be released to alert you of this.
As well as this great feature, the device also has a backlight enabling you to see the screen in all light conditions.
You can choose between manual and automatic shut-off for this device enabling the device to constantly measure radiation in an area if you wish.
It also gives you the choice of degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius when measuring temperature, allowing you to choose the one that you understand best.
With all these amazing features, it is obvious that the KKMeter Electromagnetic Field Radiation Detector is one of the best on the market.
Pros
- Measures electromagnetic field radiation and temperature so it has multiple uses.
- Accurate measurements on home appliances so you can see what appliance is the issue, or not.
- Light and alarm sound when the data exceeds ‘safe’ range so you don't have to use guess work.
- Backlight for use in all weather conditions.
- Manual and automatic shutoff depending on your preference
Cons
- Not great for beginners
RUNNER UP
You should also consider the Merterk EMF detector.
While the other devices we’ve looked at so far have been suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, the Merterk EMF detector is better suited for use at home.
This small and compact detector can measure radiation from all of your home appliances, including your televisions, cookers, refrigerators, and computers.
On top of this, the device can also measure the temperature of the area in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit depending on your preference.
It also gives you the ability to mute the beeping function if you would rather that the detector measures for radiation in silence.
This device is a great choice if you are looking for one which enables you to understand the readings clearly as it comes with a large LCD display for easy reading.
The device also has a data hold to store your data and allows you to lock a specific level of radiation that you are looking for.
Despite the one key lock function, the device will still give you a warning if the area you are in exceeds the ‘safe’ level of radiation.
If this occurs the device will set off a sound alarm immediately to notify you that the area you are in is unsafe.
With all these features considered, there’s no question that the Meterk EMF detector is a great option if you want to measure radiation.
Pros
- Accurately measures radiation from household appliances, so you won't get confused or worried about false positives.
- Sound and light alarm when radiation exceeds the ‘safe’ level, no guess work needed.
- Also gives temperature measurements.
- Large, clear LCD display so you won't miss anything.
- Data hold and max measurement feature
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use
RUNNER UP
Finally, we cannot ignore the TACKLIFE EMF meter.
This device differs from the others on this list as it cannot detect the RF value directly, instead it completes a variety of other tests to measure radiation.
Due to this the TACKLIFE EMF Meter actually has more users than other testers as it measures the magnetic field radiation with optional units, the electrical field, and ambient temperatures.
So instead of being able to generate a level of radiation for a specific area, this device will just tell you if the area is radiation-free or not.
The device has a sturdy and compact design making it perfect for use at home or while you are on the go.
The TACKLIFE EMF meter has a large LCD display screen which you can turn off if you do not want the screen on display.
It also has a flashlight included within the design for use in poor lighting conditions, and a hole in the back allowing you to connect the device to a tripod if you wish.
It has a large frequency range up to 3500MHz and can generate accurate readings for the majority of household appliances.
If the device identifies that the level of radiation exceeds the safe value, the EMF tester will emit both a sound and light alarm.
These alarms will grow brighter and louder as the level of radiation grows stronger.
After looking at all these excellent features, it’s clear that the TACKLIFE EMF meter is one of the best money can buy.
Pros
- Sound and light alarm when radiation exceeds ‘safe’ level.
- Large frequency range up to 3500MHz.
- LCD display which can be turned on/off without affecting the reader.
- Flashlight included .
- Measures temperature
Cons
- Cannot detect RF value directly
Best Radiation Detectors Buyer’s Guide
Radiation is an extremely serious thing to deal with if you fear that you have been potentially exposed to radiation or there is an area where you think radiation is building up, using a detector can be an easy way to measure that the radiation is at a safe level.
With something as serious as radiation, it can be daunting to know what to look for when buying a detector.
You want to ensure you buy a good one so that you and your loved ones are protected, however it can be difficult to know exactly what makes a good radiation detector.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you. The detectors that we’ve looked at in this article are some of the best on the market but if you still aren’t sure there’s no need to worry.
Read on for all the important information you need to know when shopping for a radiation detector.
We’ve even included an FAQ section to help answer any questions you may have.
Digital or Analog
The first major choice you will encounter when buying a radiation detector is whether to buy an LCD or an analog reader.
An LCD detector will display the readings on a digital screen, whereas an analog reader will display the data on a basic screen.
You will most likely choose a digital LCD screen as this is what we know in the modern age, the screen will likely resemble your cell phone’s screen and this will provide you with some security.
However, if you are more of an old-fashioned individual you may opt for an analog device. Neither one is better than the other, it is all down to personal preference.
The important thing is that you buy a device that you are comfortable with and one that you can read easily. You should consider both options and buy the one that you think will work best for you.
Accuracy in Results
You may encounter the screen first, but by far the most important thing to look for when buying a radiation detector is accuracy.
The only thing with shopping for accuracy is that you will be unable to tell how accurate the device is until you can actually use it.
To shop for accuracy, you should pay a lot of attention to the reviews of the device you are considering buying.
You should not dive headfirst into a purchase as this could lead to you buying an inaccurate device, instead, you should do a lot of research.
Read the reviews that other people have left for the device you are interested in, paying attention to their experience with the accuracy of the device.
As well as looking at the reviews, another great way to tell if the device is accurate is by looking at the reputation of the company the product is manufactured by.
Companies do not gain a good reputation by manufacturing poor goods, so as long as you are buying a device from a company with a good reputation, the device should provide accurate information.
Versatility
The final thing you should consider when purchasing a radiation detector is versatility.
Radiation is not made up of a single ray, instead, it is a build-up of multiple rays from different areas and all these rays will likely be different times of radiations.
Some forms of radiation can be a lot more dangerous than others, so for optimum safety, you should buy a radiation detector that can identify more than one type of radiation.
With something as serious as radiation you want to know exactly what you are dealing with, the risks associated with it, and possible causes of the radiation.
A lot of radiation detectors will be able to do just this, providing potential causes of the level of radiation measured in your home.
Versatility will be more important depending on the situation you are measuring radiation in so you should consider your situation and buy a device accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous source of radiation in my house?
In small doses, radiation can be safe, which is why you should not be alarmed when you find a certain level of radiation in your home.
A lot of household items emit a low level of radiation, from electrical devices like your mobile phone or microwave, through to more basic household items like antiques or granite worktops.
At low levels, the radiation that comes off of these devices will not cause you any harm or bad health.
It's why buying a radiation detector can be useful even just for home use to check all your appliances are in order.
What is the first sign of too much radiation?
If you suspect that you may have been exposed to radiation, there are some symptoms to watch out for which will tell you that you have been exposed to too much radiation.
These symptoms include fatigue, weakness, confusion, fainting, bleeding from internal cavities like your eyes or mouth, bruising, and burns. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek help from a medical professional.
How can I test my house for radiation?
The best way to measure the radiation levels in your home is by purchasing a radiation detector, otherwise known as an EMF meter.
This device scans the particles in the air and measures the exact amount that is radioactive.
If the level of radioactivity is at an unsafe level the device will emit an alarm to notify you of this.
Hopefully by now you know the best radiation detectors available and why you might need one.
I am an independent safety and survival expert and consultant. I have over 15+ years of experience working with corporations and individuals to help identify, remediate and prepare for threats and and disasters. I help clients understand risks and blog about my thoughts and techniques at DisasterShelters.net