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How do breathalyzers differ?
In short: What matters most: the sensor (fuel cell or semiconductor), sample control, and whether results are stored and usable officially. Price rises for these capabilities, not the brand.
Fuel-cell or semiconductor sensor
Pick a property to see how the technologies differ.
Semiconductor sensor
An indicative result; larger tolerance and more dependent on conditions.
May also react to other substances (e.g. acetone, some gases).
Drifts faster, more sensitive to temperature and humidity.
Often not designed for calibration – once aged you buy a new one.
Occasional, indicative checks.
The cheapest – from a few tens of euros.
Fuel-cell sensor
Accurate and repeatable; personal models about ±0.1‰ up to 1‰, professional ±0.05‰.
Reacts specifically to ethanol.
Holds accuracy longer; also used in professional devices.
Can be calibrated – accuracy can be restored many times.
Personal use, companies, healthcare, official measurements.
More expensive – but a one-off investment that lasts years.
General technology comparison based on manufacturer information; specific model data is in its specification.
Why a €50 and a €500 breathalyzer are not the same
Not because one is "better" – they are built for different jobs. Here is what changes as the price rises.
| Parameter | Cheap (unknown brands)not sold by us | Personal fuel-cell€59 – €229 | Professional€301 – €932 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Usually semiconductor | Fuel cell | Fuel cell, long-life |
| Sample control | Often none | Some have flow and temperature sensors | Automatic or manual sampling |
| Accuracy | Indicative | ±0.1‰ up to 1‰ | ±0.05‰ up to 1‰ |
| Repeatability | Variable | Good | Very good, many tests in a row |
| Test pace | A few a day | A few a day | Dozens to hundreds a day |
| Memory | None | Last test or in the app | 16,000–65,000 records |
| Documentation | None | Some take a photo via the app | Date, time, GPS, printout |
| GPS | None | Via phone only (some) | Built-in (some) |
| Printer | None | Rarely, optional | Optional or built-in |
| Passive mode | None | None | On many models |
| Serviceability | Usually not repairable | Calibratable, warranty in Lithuania | Calibratable, Master code, service |
| Verification | No | For some models | For many models |
More expensive does not mean better for you: if you only check before a trip, you will not use professional features. What matters is a fuel-cell sensor and the option to calibrate.
Personal or professional?
Personal
Compact, simple, a few tests a month or week. The result is for you; history on your phone if needed.
Personal breathalyzersProfessional handheld
Rugged, many tests a day, memory, GPS, printing, passive mode, verification. The result is evidence.
Professional breathalyzersFeatures and why they matter
Rejects weak or short blows – prevents falsely low readings.
Temperature affects the sensor most – compensation keeps accuracy in cold and heat.
Blowing through a mouthpiece – the most accurate result.
No mouthpiece – fast screening or when a person cannot blow.
Proof the test was done: date, time, result.
Where the test happened – in the field and in transport.
A document signed on the spot.
History on the phone, photo, sending to a supervisor.
Restores accuracy – recommended every 6 months.
Official confirmation – when results drive decisions.
Prevents a drunk driver from starting the engine.
If you plan to drive, the safest level is 0‰. A personal breathalyzer helps you assess the situation, but every reading has a tolerance, alcohol leaves each body at a different rate and laws can change – so a reading does not guarantee that driving is safe or legal. If in doubt, do not drive.