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Best Geiger Counters

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
RADEX by Quarta-Rad RD1503+
RADEX by Quarta-Rad
RD1503+
Premium Quality

An affordably priced, smartphone-sized device that emits both vibration and an audio alarm.

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Premium Quality
Bottom Line

An affordably priced, smartphone-sized device that emits both vibration and an audio alarm.

Pros

Highly accurate and easy to hold. A good solution in extreme temps. You don't need to calibrate it first.

Cons

Cannot be used in a wet environment.

Best Bang for the Buck
RADEX by Quarta-Rad Personal RAD Safety
RADEX by Quarta-Rad
Personal RAD Safety
Portable Pick

A small unit that can connect to a computer via USB and is very sensitive.

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Portable Pick
Bottom Line

A small unit that can connect to a computer via USB and is very sensitive.

Pros

Arrives fully calibrated; usually does not need recalibration for years. Can interface with a computer to record data. Highly portable and lightweight. Good battery life.

Cons

Occasional durability problems.

imagesco GCA-07W
imagesco
GCA-07W
User-friendly

On the pricey side, but features like the external wand make it worth the investment.

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User-friendly
Bottom Line

On the pricey side, but features like the external wand make it worth the investment.

Pros

Tested for accuracy. Wand makes it easier to take readings. Device runs on battery power or electricity.

Cons

Pricier than some other options. Recalibration is needed every 12-24 months.

GQ GMC-320 Plus
GQ
GMC-320 Plus
Feature-packed

An inexpensive, easy-to-use Geiger counter that can take continuous data and download it.

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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

An inexpensive, easy-to-use Geiger counter that can take continuous data and download it.

Pros

Data can be recorded continuously and downloaded elsewhere. Charges via USB. Features audio and visual signals. Price is very reasonable.

Cons

Some people have had trouble integrating it with their computers.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ
GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
Easiest to Use

This Geiger counter has a dual sensor for accurately measuring radiation levels.

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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This Geiger counter has a dual sensor for accurately measuring radiation levels.

Pros

Has independent calibration counters for precise readings and a large LCD screen that's easy to read. Has a built-in speaker and flash memory, and a rechargeable battery. Unlimited server data logging storage.

Cons

Some users find the interface clunky.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
October 28, 2021
30
Models
considered
28
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best Geiger counters

Rich Gray
Written by Rich Gray

Updated February 2023

Simply put, a Geiger counter is used to detect radiation. While you may think of a Geiger counter as simply a science fiction trope or a must-have dust collector on a survivalist’s shelf, there are a number of practical reasons why you might want to purchase one.

With a Geiger counter, you can keep tabs on radiation in your food, water, and home. It is a necessity if you live near a nuclear reactor, and rockhounds or those interested in science will find any number of fun ways to use one. Those into collectibles will also find a use for a Geiger counter because the level of radiation in older glassware, clocks, and other collectible items can be fairly significant.

If you need to know the level of radiation in various items, you’re going to need to know the ins and outs of this unique device. 

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While generally not harmful outside of the body, alpha radiation becomes significantly more dangerous to humans if inhaled or eaten.

Key considerations

Durability

Because this is a device that you may have to take with you, all elements of a Geiger counter should be durable and long-lasting. The housing — plastic is standard — should hold up over time. Any buttons or switches should be able to withstand a fair amount of use, and any display screens should be firmly fixed to the housing and resist cracking. If your Geiger counter will be used outside frequently, try to find one that is either waterproof or can otherwise hold up to various weather conditions.

Size

In the movies, Geiger counters tend to be bulky, about the size of a shoebox. In real life, they aren’t nearly so cumbersome. Geiger counters vary a bit in size, but most today are lightweight and roughly the size of a smartphone. The lighter and more compact your Geiger counter, the easier it will be to carry around.

Power

Based on their size, it should be no surprise that most Geiger counters run on batteries. Some use disposable batteries (9 volt or AA/AAA), while rechargeable batteries are more standard.

Disposable: If the Geiger counter uses disposable batteries, find out if it ships with the batteries, and how long on average the batteries will last before they need to be replaced.

Rechargeable: If it uses a rechargeable battery, you need to know how long the charge lasts and how long it takes to recharge. Does it charge via AC, USB, or your car? Some offer a variety of recharging options, but whichever way a Geiger counter is charged, be sure it ships with all the cords necessary to recharge or power it.

Ease of use

For a number of reasons, some Geiger counters are easier to use than others. A Geiger counter that is ergonomic and can be operated with one hand will be easier to use than a bulky one that takes two hands to run. The addition of a wand allows you to more easily take readings of items.

Controls like buttons and switches for changing modes and settings can enable more fluid operation, as opposed to scrolling through multiple menus on the LCD screen. Look for a Geiger counter that presents the information in such a way that you can tell at a glance what an item’s radiation level is.

Finally, a Geiger counter is only as accurate as its calibration, so know how often you’ll need to recalibrate it and how easy or difficult this process is.

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Did you know?
Hans Geiger and Walter Müller created an early version of the Geiger counter in 1928.
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Geiger counter features

Data/computer link

While all Geiger counters can read radiation levels, most of the higher-quality ones are also capable of doing much more with the data they collect. This is often helped via software or an app that installs on your computer or smartphone, allowing you to link to the Geiger counter to graph data over time, receive alerts, share your readings with others, monitor levels, and more. If a Geiger counter ships with this capability, verify that any software or app will work with your specific operating system (type and version). Also be sure that the Geiger counter ships with all the cables you’ll need to link up with your computer or phone.

Radiation

Type: Alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray — top-shelf Geiger counters are capable of detecting a variety of radiation types, but cheaper models will vary in what they can detect. Nearly all can detect gamma rays and X-rays, and most can also detect beta rays. Alpha-ray detection is rarer and usually only available in more expensive Geiger counters.

Range: You should also know the range of radiation that a Geiger counter can detect. Digital Geiger counters can usually detect 1 to 200 milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr), although more expensive devices can reach up to 1,000 mR/hr.

Alerts

Geiger counters in the movies start to emit a ticking sound in the presence of radioactivity. The faster the tick, the closer or more powerful the radioactivity. Similarly, today’s Geiger counters also alert you to the presence and location of radiation, but they aren’t limited to sound. Some Geiger counters use LED lights to warn you when they have detected radiation, while others vibrate. Before purchasing, know what kinds of alerts the Geiger counter uses and if you can switch between them. Being able to adjust the volume or intensity is also helpful.

"According to the World Nuclear Association, typical background radiation levels range from 1.5 to 3.5 millisieverts per year."
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Wand

A Geiger counter that includes a wand can be easier to use due to the fact that a wand can reach into tight spaces more easily to take a reading. The wand contains the Geiger-Müller tube, a sensing element that is an integral part of any Geiger counter. If a Geiger counter doesn’t have a wand, then the Geiger-Müller tube is inside the device’s housing. If the Geiger counter you’re interested in has a wand, be sure that it’s rugged and has some way of clipping to the Geiger counter’s housing for easy storage.

LCD

Most Geiger counters are digital and have an LCD screen for displaying the counts per minute/second, radiation levels, and other information. A Geiger counter’s LCD screen should be large enough so that you can clearly see and understand the information you need. A backlit screen is easier to read than one without backlighting. The ability to zoom or manipulate the font size will also be a big plus for some users.

Controls and ports

Controls: The controls vary by device, but most Geiger counters offer some way to switch between type (metric, imperial), counts per minute and counts per second, on and off, and more. Some Geiger counter controls have computerized menus for changing settings, while others rely on buttons and switches.

Ports: Check if the Geiger counter you’re interested in has a speaker/headphone port and a data output port so you can use it with your computer.

Geiger counter prices

Geiger counters start at less than $100 and can go up to $400 or $500 for high-end consumer devices. Under $150, you’ll find lower-end devices with limited ranges, features, and other capabilities. Spend over $150 and you’ll find Geiger counters that can detect more radiation types at a wider range, sturdier build quality, and much more robust software/sharing capabilities that allow you to do more with the data you collect. 

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Did you know?
Of the three primary types of radiation (alpha, beta, and gamma), gamma has the highest energy and penetrating power. It can even be detected through a thick lead shield.
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Tips

  • Check your home for radon. If you wish to test for radon, a naturally occurring gas that can cause lung problems, be sure that your Geiger counter can measure alpha radiation.
  • Get regular updates. To keep your Geiger counter up to date and derive the greatest use from the data, go with a  manufacturer that actively updates its software.
  • Look for NRC certification. Buy a Geiger counter that is U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) certified. Certification means that the device is accurate and up to NRC standards.
  • Check household items. Even ordinary household items can be radioactive. One example is Fiestaware, dishware that was made with a depleted-uranium glaze between 1936 and 1972. If you like to shop at yard sales, keep a Geiger counter on hand to find genuine vintage Fiestaware.
  • Buy a bag. Because a carry bag is not standard with these devices, consider picking one up if you plan to use your Geiger counter in the field frequently.
  • Go digital. There are two basic types of Geiger counter readouts: digital and analog. Digital is the more common these days based in part on its greater accuracy.
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Background radiation consists of normal radiation that always surrounds us. Its sources include the earth, sky, and objects that we use every day.

FAQ

Q. What’s the best way to test for radiation in food?
A.
While you can use a Geiger counter to test for radiation in fish and other foods, you shouldn’t necessarily rely too much on the results. Because the radiation readings in foods can be miniscule and blend in easily with background radiation, tests of this nature are usually done in a lab. That said, if you do wish to use your Geiger counter on food, do it the right way. Instead of a single apple, say, test a bushel of them. For best results, turn the Geiger counter on and place it close to the food, leaving it for a minute to generate a solid reading. Do this several times in different spots around the food to increase your chances of ending up with an accurate reading.

Q. Do Geiger counters emit radiation? Are they safe?
A.
While Geiger counters can detect a variety of radiation types, they do not themselves contain or emit radiation. As such, they’re perfectly safe to use and carry around in your pocket.

Q. Can my Geiger counter be used to detect a microwave oven leak?
A.
No. Geiger counters can detect ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by uranium. While microwaves, cell phones, and similar items do produce radiation, it is of the nonionizing variety. To detect this form of radiation, you’ll need to buy an electromagnetic frequency (EMF) meter.

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