I am currently testing the Purple Air Zen (Purple Air’s newest outdoor air quality monitor). So far, I am still in the early phases of testing, so I won’t go into details yet, but I do have a few first thoughts.
For anyone wondering, the Zen and the Flex are quite similar, but the Zen looks to be positioned as the successor to the Flex as it’s both slightly more expensive and has a few extra features. However, both monitors have the same sensors (two Plantower PMS6003 sensors and a Bosch BME688).
Interestingly, however, the Zen seems to be an incredibly incremental update, and I have to wonder why the choice to release it and sell it alongside the Flex was made. As per this post on PurpleAir’s forum, the only two major differences are the LED ring and double-tap functionality (to change LED brightness) on the Zen.
Based on this, I have to assume the Flex is meant more for applications where people don’t want the monitor to be noticed as it’s very inconspicuous. On the other hand, the Zen is made to stand out.
I will be sharing more thoughts soon!