How Much Does a Breathalyzer Cost?

Breathalyzers are portable devices that measure the blood alcohol content, also known as BAC. To determine if the individual is intoxicated with alcohol, he or she will only need to blow for a few seconds, into the breathalyzer test device.

Typically, police enforcement uses this type of device, but over the past few years, people started to acquire them for personal use as well. Whether it is for fun or safety reasons, more and more people seem to be interested.

However, several types of breathalyzers can be purchased on the market.

How much does a breathalyzer cost?

The cost of a breathalyzer can range from as little as $9 to as much as $800. The cost will greatly depend on where you purchase it from, its features, and design.

The average cost of a basic breathalyzer for personal use can be somewhere around $50. However, for a much more advanced portable breathalyzer, the average cost may be anywhere from $250.

A professional breathalyzer is typically used by law enforcement, employers, and healthcare professionals and can cost between $300 and $800 or more.

From our research, the cost range for a personal breathalyzer on Amazon.com is anywhere from as little as $9 to as much as $144. Depending on the brand and features, the cost of a BAC test device will greatly vary.

On BestBuy.com you can purchase one of a few types of breathalyzers with a cost range between $24.99 and $129.99.

The dedicated site BreathalyzerAlcoholTester.com sells breathalyzers priced as low as $3.29 for a disposable tester and as high as $264.95 for a more professional device.

As stated above, there are several types of breathalyzers. In the table below, we listed the types of BAC measurement devices and their costs:

Walmart also sells breathalyzers. With a simple search on Walmart.com, you can find a wide range of breathalyzers from $5.99 to as much as $214.95.

Take into consideration that these costs are subject to change and should be used as estimates. Also, depending on the seller, features such as accuracy, smartphone compatibility, and others, the costs will greatly vary.

BACTrack.com has the most updated, advanced, and affordable breathalyzers and their cost range is anywhere from $40 to $135.

Breathalyzer overview

As stated before, breathalyzers are devices that serve to measure blood alcohol content (BAC).

You might also like our articles about the cost of lie detector testing, hair drug testing, or drug/alcohol testing.

The process is a simple one. The individual will blow through a mouthpiece that is usually attached to the upper part of the breathalyzer. While you blow the air from your lungs, a cell sensor technology will be triggered to fuel the device for testing. There are two different types of breathalyzers when it comes to accuracy.

For instance, a basic personal breathalyzer operates through semiconductor sensors. A more professional breathalyzer uses fuel cell technology. It is a fact that breathalyzers run by fuel cell technology will give you much more accurate results for the BAC. However, the basic breathalyzer can give you an idea of whether you are too intoxicated to drive or not.

Even though it is said that this breathalyzer will measure your blood alcohol content, it will detect the alcohol content in your breath.

However, this figure is directly related to the amount of alcohol in the blood and is a reliable indicator.

Types of breathalizers on the market

• Disposable Bac breathalyzer – These types of breathalyzers are designed for one-time use. Also, it does not require any source of power or constant calibration. In order to take the test, the tube will need to be broken to activate the crystals. Once the device is opened, you will need to exhale inside it to receive the results.
• Keychain Breathalyzer – Keychain breathalyzers are very interesting devices. Usually the cheapest device, this breathalyzer always comes in handy, due to the possibility of having it attached to your keys.
• Digital Breathalyzer – Most of the breathalyzers are digital. Due to its incorporated LCD display, it is very easy to read.
• Smartphone breathalyzer for iOS and Android Phones – This type of advanced breathalyzer integrates a BACtrack mobile app and a professional breathalyzer. The BAC will be wirelessly transferred to your smartphone, it will estimate the concentration, and will also be able to monitor your results over time.

If you want to have a breathalyzer in your car, then you should know that there are car breathalyzers, also known as ignition interlock devices, that prevent the vehicle from starting when someone under the influence of alcohol wants to drive it. This is meant as a way of preventing someone from risking a DUI, or worse.

Extra costs associated with breathalyzers

Mouthpieces are usually a disposable part of the breathalyzer and can be considered an extra cost. Generally, these small parts come in packs. Depending on the make and model of the breathalyzer and the number of pieces purchased, one mouthpiece can cost anywhere from $0.29 up to $1.20.

This is in order to maintain the breathalizer sterile, even more, so if multiple people are using the same device.

A keychain recipient for disposable breathalyzers will cost an extra $9 on average.

Important things to consider

Fuel cells may give a much more accurate result. This is because they can show the results in thousands of decimals, while the semiconductor-operated breathalyzer will show in hundreds.

For safe and effective usage, look for the breathalyzers that are FDA-cleared. This is to certify the product’s accuracy in order to have proper results.

The breathalyzers operated by semiconductors may often fail to assess an accurate BAC for individuals who may suffer from diabetes or who are on a  low-calorie diet.

A semiconductor breathalyzer, if used too often in a short period, may get stuck and show the same result each time used.

Also, a breathalyzer operated by semiconductors may give imprecise results, if the individual has high blood alcohol levels.

How can I save money?

Currently, on the dedicated website BreathalyzerAlcoholTester.com, several breathalyzers are on 30% sale. It is also a good idea to shop around and search for sales and discounts.

Retailers often offer coupon discounts. If you are searching for a breathalyzer deal, be sure to check out if there are any offers.

Investing in a good breathalyzer is important if you plan on using it frequently. While purchasing a cheaper device may seem like a cost-effective option, it is not always reliable. Investing in a quality breathalyzer will save you money in the long run.

If you are on a tight budget, you can purchase a used or refurbished breathalyzer, which you can find on Craiglist or eBay. Although, this is not always recommended, due to health concerns and the proper functioning of the device.