You are welcome to this review on the best Geiger counters. For you to get the best out of tools like Geiger counters, you need to purchase the best Geiger counters.
This is why we have taken the time to research and come up with this review of the best Geiger counters. Read through this guide to get a better understanding of what you should look out for.
WHAT IS A GEIGER COUNTER?
Geiger counters are devices used for measuring the radiation level from a specific object or that given off within a certain area. It makes use of a Geiger-Muller tube that’s capable of responding to ionizing radiation. A Geiger counter is a relatively inexpensive way to measure different kinds of radiation including that from alpha, beta, and gamma particles.
As more and more people wish to find out what type of radiation is found in their area, Geiger counters have become more popular and the market is very diverse so making the right purchasing decision can be difficult.
Apart from other features, the Best Geiger Counters have shockproof housing and programmable alarm for different thresholds. Handheld radiation detectors are important devices in the nuclear energy industry. Apart from personal safety, you can use radiation detectors for professional purposes.
Also, consumers of healthcare and food products expect manufacturers to deliver high-quality products. The reliability of a dosimeter model depends on its level of functionality. Usually, premium detector models allow the storage of radioactive isotope data for future applications.
So, it’s important to buy broad spectrum detectors that track harmful radiations (alpha, beta, and gamma). Unlike Geiger counters, measuring wheels take measurements as they move.
GEIGER COUNTERS BUYER’S GUIDE
The factors considered when getting Geiger counters is different from the factors considered when getting tools like furnace filters and drywall spackles because these tools perform different functions and purposes.
Detection method
The detection method usually could be either a standard Geiger-Muller tube or a so-called pancake tube which is very similar but has a different shape. When picking a counter you should check the tube type as this has a certain degree of relevance.
The pancake tube is better at detecting beta and gamma radiation while it’s not as reliable for alpha radiation.
Ease of Use
This is another important factor that can affect your decision. Why is it important? The big reason is that not all are scientists.
A Geiger counter must be able to show the radiation level fast and in a way that an average Joe must be able to understand it. Another thing is it must be able to warn you if the radiation level is over the desired level.
Display
These devices have displays for showing the important measurements so finding one with a bright and clear screen is essential for checking out the data effectively. Imaging cameras and multimeters, also have display screens, to display to its handler what they are reading.
Quality
Quality is an absolute must. You do not want your Geiger counter to work for only a few months. Geiger counter must be sturdy enough to withstand different conditions. Most probably you might be using the Geiger counter in the harshest conditions. It should be able to withstand moisture, heat, and other conditions. When getting tools like a miter saw blades, and rivet guns, you should also look out for the ones that are of good quality
Specific use
As with other products that you wish to buy, an important question that you have to ask yourself is why do you need a Geiger counter? Are you a hobbyist or simply want it for educational purposes? Does it have to do with your job or, for some reason you are concerned about the radioactivity in your area? The hunting process for the perfect radiation detecting solution has a lot to do with how you answer these questions.
These are pretty much the most important factors to consider when you are looking to buy a Geiger counter. The products on this list have been thoroughly researched and analyzed to make sure that they represent the best value possible. Thanks to a good level of diversity, you can also find the right one for your specific need.
Connectivity
Connectivity means the Geiger counter’s ability to connect to a computer. By having this connectivity, you can study and analyze the data in a much better way. The detector’s display is not functional enough to provide you everything, but with having proper software on the computer, you can see the different patterns over a period.
Some software even helps you map out the different radiation zones which can be a useful thing to have in case of nuclear disaster.
Battery
Generally, there are two types of batteries used for the Geiger counter A-type batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The A-type batteries are replaceable. Hence, they will be the best option during a disaster type situations where power outage is inevitable. And the rechargeable batteries are very good if you have a power source. Unlike Geiger counters, engine stands and topside creepers do not use batterie, because they are manually operated.
BEST GEIGER COUNTERS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Ecotest Terra-P MKS-05 Geiger Counter
|
Battery level indicator.
Big enough LCD for a portable detector. Not expensive compared to its competitor. Can set different audio alarms for different thresholds. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Banne Portable Touch-screen Geiger Counter Nitrate Detector Food Radiation
|
Updated detection range-
User-friendly setting and interface Different food market legislation- Banne digital radiation tester included |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 Geiger Counter
|
Detects alpha, beta, gamma, and x-radiation
Range of 0.001 to 125 mR/hr Internal data logging Dose rate alarm |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| RADEX by Quarta-Rad Geiger Counter Outdoor Edition With High Sensitivity
|
Detect β (Beta), γ (Gamma) and X-ray radiation
Compact and light body Radiation Search mode Measure cumulative dose Store data on PC |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Meterk Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation Detector
|
EMF Meter Function
Measure Radiation. Sound-light Alarm Data Hold & Max Measurement |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Imagesco GCA-06W Professional Geiger Counter
|
NRC Certificate
Detects Alpha, Beta, X-Ray, and Gamma radiation 1 CPM Counting Resolution 10000 CPS Counting Range |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Cambridge Labs Smart Counter Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter
|
Dual readings
Precise and accurate Rechargeable and portable Easy to use Satisfaction guaranteed |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| SOEKS 112 Compact Digital Geiger Counter For Personal Applications
|
personal Geiger counter and dosimeter
super fast detection sensitive & accurate long battery life impressive range |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| GQ GMC300EPlus Radiation Monitor Data Logger Plus Geiger Counter
|
Text, Graphics and Large Font mode
USB connection High contrast black/white LCD module Automatic data recording Real-time clock |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| RADEX RD1212 Advanced Radiation Detector / Geiger Counter
|
Advanced Geiger counter/radiation detector with Bluetooth link to smartphones
High-accuracy sensor SBM-20-1. Pre-calibrated Beta, Gamma, and X-ray radiation detector Temperature and Air Pressure in real-time Free Application for mapping and sharing |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Ecotest Terra-P MKS-05 Geiger Counter
Owning a dosimeter is important because you can conveniently determine the radiation of numerous places such as a car, house appliances, and even mushrooms. One feature that many buyers have loved is the user-friendliness. After switching on this device, it will auto-enter in the detecting mode to measure the Gamma radiation.
Thanks to its cool LCD, viewing the data on this device is very easy. This device comes in a stylish leather case plus a helpful manual that explains all you need to know about using the device. Additionally, it will fit perfectly into your hand. It’s not only reliable but also a durable instrument good in measuring levels of radiation.
| PROS | CONS |
| This MKS-05 TERRA-P model is used by educational, healthcare, and the military in Ukraine. | Fragile shockproof housing material. |
| Easy to use with only 2 control (Mode and Threshold) buttons | |
| A lightweight household radiation detector | |
| Compact size and eye-catchy yellow case. |
Banne Portable Touch-screen Geiger Counter Nitrate Detector Food Radiation
With this Geiger Counter, you can sort contaminated food from your healthy meals. Data storage for reference and evaluation is another impressive feature of this product.
Even in places around nuclear plants, it’s important to check your air quality and spaces for any leftover radiation. Apart from respiration, the consumption of food is a threat when there’s acute radiation exposure.
You should check meats and seafood with the built-in magnet in this Banne radiation tester.
| PROS | CONS |
| 8 steps for testing, and 3 LCD interface for test results (green, yellow, and red indicators) | This 0.1 lbs device (1.6 ounces) is compact, but it might be small and fragile to handle. |
| It’s a portable radiation detector with use-friendly touch-screen | |
| It can detect nitrate and normal ionization radiation |
Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 Geiger Counter
Able to handle Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-Ray detection without problems, the Mazur Instruments PRM-9000 is a very attractive option for a Geiger counter. It has a bigger price than some of the other models in this list but it’s justified considering its superior capabilities.
The main feature that captures the attention is the pancake detector tube which is considered the gold-standard for scanning areas for potentially dangerous ionizing radiation levels and to detect any kind of radioactive contamination of objects, people, and equipment.
Suitable for a wide range of applications, it works well for regulatory inspections as well as for detecting Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. The detection sensitivity is excellent, a superb level of reliability in part due to the device being made in the USA, created with the best accuracy in mind
This instrument can collect measurements and statistics in continuous mode for a complete assessment of the environment. Scrolling through the menu is simple and intuitive using a single button. The PRM-9000 can display the time and date at which the maximum radiation reading occurred as opposed to conventional counters that require the user to check the meter for such events
| PROS | CONS |
| Monitor radiation in the range of 0.001 to 125 mR/hr. Minimum sensitivity levels for Alpha rays (2.5 MeV), Beta rays (with minimum energy level 50 keV), and Gamma/X rays (10 keV). | This dosimeter is an expensive pro-grade device. |
| It comes with a headphone jack and built-in pancake 50.8 mm Geiger detector tube | |
| Supports alphanumeric display |
RADEX by Quarta-Rad Geiger Counter Outdoor Edition With High Sensitivity
RADEX ONE provides a non-professional consumer with fast and precise measurements that can be used for localization of high-level radioactive sources.
| PROS | CONS |
| Allows data recording | The components (plastic housing, screen, and control buttons) are not high-quality materials. |
| Very accurate test results | |
| It comes with USB port for PC and smartphones | |
| The detection range is from 0.05~999.0 mcSv/hr | |
| This personal detector comes with RAD Safety technology |
Meterk Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation Detector
The features of Meterk Electromagnetic Detector enhances radiation-tracking and display. There’s a manual/auto shut-off battery-saving mode. Also, you can freeze the readings and obtain the maximum measurement when the result fluctuates.
With this Meterk’s Geiger Counter, you can see every data on its bright LCD screen. It’s a radiation detector for Gamma, Beta, and X-rays that uses modern electromagnetic radiation sensors.
With this Meterk handheld EMF detector, you can correlate each measurement with the strength of any radioactive radiation accurately.
| PROS | CONS |
| This dosimeter is compatible with many home appliances like air conditioning systems, lamps, computer and TV | This package doesn’t include an operation manual |
| Mutation control button for the alarm | |
| Mini-digital LCD screen |
Imagesco GCA-06W Professional Geiger Counter
The GCA-07W is a professional Geiger counter from Images SI Inc. There are lots of things to be excited about this powerful instrument including NRC certification which ensures that the readings you get are very accurate. With a solid price, the GCA-07W should be considered as an option for anyone who wants a more technologically advanced detector.
One of the main highlights of this unit is the external wand containing an LND 712 GM tube which makes it much easier to detect radioactivity on materials and surfaces. It can detect Alpha, Beta, X-Rays, and Gamma radiation above certain thresholds.
An LCD provides a comfortable way to read the digital output. Through a switch selection, the Geiger counter can measure and convert radiation. There’s the possibility to access Counts Per Second or Counts Per Minute modes using the time selection switch. Due to the factory calibration with a NIST traceable source, the measurements are going to be as accurate as possible.
| PROS | CONS |
| External Wand Probe feature that enables quick scans | The control buttons are not digitally-enhanced. |
| It has Serial Data (default) and TTL logic pulse modes for | |
| Versatile Geiger counter model that supports health services, nuclear experiments, educational demonstrations, and household applications. |
Cambridge Labs Smart Counter Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter
EMF Meter features dual reading on a user-friendly backlit LCD screen. This device can measure the radiation of both electric and magnetic fields. One great feature that makes this machine loved by many buyers its portability nature which makes it possible to carry it around freely. Also, to increase user-friendliness, the device displays large digits (in 3 decimal points) on its very clear display.
In determining radiation, accuracy is vital. EMF Meter takes care of this by providing you with very precise radiation values. Just like I have mentioned, this device is portable, hand-held, rechargeable (has the USB cable for charging) and comes in 3 color options which are; red, black and white
| PROS | CONS |
| It comes with a built-in digital sensor | The LCD screen might be bright, but it only a small screen. |
| Its ergonomic handle ensures a firm grip | |
| The screen displays data up to three decimal points. | |
| Lightweight radiation tester with rechargeable batteries. This package includes a USB cable (to charge). |
SOEKS 112 Compact Digital Geiger Counter For Personal Applications
When you need a pocket-friendly digital Geiger counter, SOEKS offers you a device for precise data. One of the features that make great personal dosimeters is the accuracy and speed of processing data.
This SOEKS 112 model might be a very small detector, but powerful with simple control buttons. It’s ultra-lightweight, personal GEIGER counter determines the amount of Beta, X-Ray, and Gamma radiation in space.
You don’t have to worry about battery life because this portable dosimeter uses a set of tiny LR44 batteries. Unlike other battery-powered dosimeters, the SOEKS 112 radiation meter’s batteries offer more juice if your work periods extend beyond 100 hours.
| PROS | CONS |
| The detection range of 0.01-999 uSv/h is impressive | This digital Geiger counter lacks green and yellow lights that indicate other levels of radiation. |
| High sensitive (SBM20-1) Geiger Muller tube | |
| A compact design with easy-to-use technology |
GQ GMC300EPlus Radiation Monitor Data Logger Plus Geiger Counter
Every nuclear radiation threat can be measured correctly with this handheld device from GQ. The GQ GMC-300E sends alerts and monitor dose rates of radioactive waves.
Also, you can log the data in its internal memory automatically. During data-recording processes, both visual and audio information is important. However, this GQ GMC-300E model allows you to enjoy more features.
Apart from logging data, you can access the GMCmap server remotely. This real-time feature works like military-grade dosimeters. As a lightweight radiation detector, GQ adds other easy to use accessories like a wrist strap that aids portability, and design for the ‘stand-alone’ mode.
| PROS | CONS |
| Supports visualized radiation changes with large-font texts and graphic display | The start-up mode doesn’t turn ON by default when you are exposed to radiation. |
| Its compatible with PC, and downloadable software for radiation history data | |
| It uses a 3.7V Li-on rechargeable battery |
RADEX RD1212 Advanced Radiation Detector / Geiger Counter
RADEX RD1212-BT Geiger counter/radiation detector can be used by professionals and non-professionals for quick and reliable measurement of radiation background in environment, soil, and products. Features capability to track radiation “live”, store it, or share online.
Compatible with Android phones, iPhones, or tablets.
| PROS | CONS |
| Data Recording, Charting, and Global Mapping | none |
| Gamma, Beta and X-rays detector | |
| 10 seconds measurement cycle | |
| Pre-calibrated and certified | |
| Compact and light |
CONCLUSION
These reviews will help you find the right detector for your home or office. The only thing you have to do now is to identify what are your requirements and how much you can spend on it. Based on your needs and budget, choose the Geiger counter from our list.
You might want to have a look at tools like gas cans, tin and aviation snips, and drum sanders.
