![[Obsolete and Discontinued] Foobot, Indoor Air Quality Monitor, Compatible with Alexa, Nest, and IFTTT](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YTf0p2ECL._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
UPDATED: I decided to try a factory fresh version of this Foobot air quality monitor. So far, I can report improvements vs. the one I returned. I compared this side by side to the Blueair model that I also bought on Amazon. They were receiving very similar results, and appear to be similar in some ways. I will say the Blueair had trouble connecting to WIFI initially and the interface for the Iphone was a bit frustrating at times, whereas the Foobot app was much smoother and less likely to have issues. And the Foobot has given me no issue staying connected to WIFI.
In my opinion, the Foobot is the way to go. I like the build quality of the Foobot, it has a very solid feel. The LED lights are amazing; many of them and they are VERY bright (can be adjusted, set via a timer to come on/off, or extinguished completely). The unit has a non-slip texture, so when carrying it around to try out in other rooms, unlike others, will not slip from your hands. (NOTE: It says to leave in a room for 3 hours before considering it an accurate reading - also, it says Foobot really needs 6 days to get acclimated to your environment.
The one way I know it works like it should, is that in my kitchen, on the granite countertop area, I get high readings for CO2 and VOC. Doing some research, I've read that granite can give off carbon dioxide. I also have a backsplash that might be giving off gases too. Move it away, the problem air gets better. This has happened with all 3 units, although I noticed the Foobot was the most responsive in terms of time and inevitable outcome. I've also seen it react to cooking, which I understand to be a normal thing that happens. I ventilate when the rating goes up, and it comes back down as fresh air gets to the space. I've watched our CO2 level go up, same with VOC, for no "apparent' reason, but with a heat pump system, it does not draw in any new fresh air, so I've really realized I must open the windows from time to time to get some fresh air into the house. Other units are not as quick to respond, as though they delay their response to the issue although they end up there at some point (all but Awair, which doesn't go there in most cases for the unit I had).
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This company has the best of the best, so far. The app is awesome, it records data for more than a day, the unit stays connected for as long as I had it running, and I never had anxiety that I'd not be able to check the air quality when I wanted to. The unit has a knock knock feature that sends the data to your phone since it doesn't have a display when you tap on it 2x, and it can send you notifications when you hit a bad place ( too much carbon dioxide or VOC). That is very helpful. You can "tag" events so if cooking or vacuuming, you can log what it was vs. a bad air day/moment.
I also found that the unit does buffer data while disconnected from the network, and sends it through when re-connected, and that is cool too. Plus the CEO of the company writes back if you ask them a question or express a concern, through their website. I haven't heard back from a competitor I recently tried out and that is very sad.
As I'm trying different units to see what is best, and what I feel is most realistic and reasonable, so far this has been the best experience, even though I think it was broken and used, not new. If I decide to give this a 2nd chance, I'll order directly from Foobot to prevent getting a used and/or broken unit.
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Not very accurate, app is not very good and unreliable - post sales support is terrible.
First off, let's talk about the accuracy of this device. The minimum level this product shows for VOCs is 125 ppb. That is the starting point. Formaldehyde at that threshold would cause eye, nose and throat irritation. I seriously doubt the accuracy of this device or usefulness.Out of curiosity, I had a lab test performed on Formaldehyde and VOC levels in my house (two separate tests, as the testing and sampling for Formaldehyde is different than other VOCs). These were both performed by PRISM labs and the results were vastly different from whatever the foobot is telling me.The CO2 levels are algorithmically derived, meaning there is no direct measure. Given the accuracy of the VOC measurements, an algorithmic derivation of an inaccurate number yields another inaccurate numberNext, let's talk about the software - the app doesn't function very well. For a few months, the charts wouldn't work historical data was stuck at 8am. every day, no matter how many times you refresh it. It still doesn't work very well now, you have to refresh several times...until the last update, at which point the chart button no longer works at all.Finally let's talk about the device itself. For me, it frequently loses wifi connection, though I have it within 5 feet of the router. It also randomly "resets", telling me 0/3 hours until ready. The algorithms appear to not like big changes in environment very often. Within the past few months, I'll open a window with it showing ~400-500 ppb on VOCs, then when I close it, it will freak out and jump to 1200ppb. This did not happen before the round of software updates. In the past, it's also within 10 minutes inexplicably decreased by like 100ppb.I've given up on support after the first few exchanges. I would not purchase this again.4/8/16 edit:Thank you very much for the response from the foobot team. My issue not primarily with wifi dropping, it is with the accuracy of the foobot, especially after the recent upgrade that was pushed out. The unit simply freaks out now.Let me provide you an example - I put the foobot OUTSIDE the house. Traditionally, this has led to VOC readings of 125. It tends to be 125ppb even when I place it near an open window. It is now reading in the 1000-2000+ppb range. For one hour, it also reached 29 THOUSAND ppb, I assure you I do not live near an EPA Superfund site and when I first owned the Foobot, it did not read at levels like this.I will take you up on your offer of a refund and email support. Thank you very much for the generous offer.4/17/16 Update:As with the product, once again, premise is so promising, but execution fails. I mailed support right after the CTOs comments to ask for refund. After initial response from analyst saying they need to ask their manager, I have heard back nothing since then. Emails for update was met with radio silence. Nice.4/25/16 Update:Well, support got back to me after silence for two weeks and said that by having the foobot outside, it voids my warranty and I am out of luck. I dont understand how having the device on the outside of window sill vs inside of window sill with window open is any different? The 5 inches and mesh screen is going to invalidate the warranty? While it's great PR having founders answer questions and tout satisfaction guarantees on Amazon, the follow up actions speak for themselves.5/2/16 and final update:Gwen from support still insists that my warranty is voided. Ok. However, they said they wanted to keep customer satisfaction and issue me a refund, but ONLY if I removed my Amazon review. I was very surprised by this, as this ruins the purpose of having reviews on Amazon. I offered to change my comments on the Support experience, if the final outcome of the experience is positive,but declined to remove my review of the product on personal principle.It's nice that the Inouk and the execs provide personal responses here and tout keeping customers happy and offering me a refund, but I am disappointed by the hidden strings that came attached with it. I would not expect a company to request a deletion of a review as a condition for refund and position that as preserving customer satisfaction. That's just bad integrity and values. I would not do business again with this company regardless of how good their products become in the future.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2016
After a 2nd look, I can tell you with confidence, Foobot is the one you should go with....tried the ones that were relevantUPDATED: I decided to try a factory fresh version of this Foobot air quality monitor. So far, I can report improvements vs. the one I returned. I compared this side by side to the Blueair model that I also bought on Amazon. They were receiving very similar results, and appear to be similar in some ways. I will say the Blueair had trouble connecting to WIFI initially and the interface for the Iphone was a bit frustrating at times, whereas the Foobot app was much smoother and less likely to have issues. And the Foobot has given me no issue staying connected to WIFI.
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2016
In my opinion, the Foobot is the way to go. I like the build quality of the Foobot, it has a very solid feel. The LED lights are amazing; many of them and they are VERY bright (can be adjusted, set via a timer to come on/off, or extinguished completely). The unit has a non-slip texture, so when carrying it around to try out in other rooms, unlike others, will not slip from your hands. (NOTE: It says to leave in a room for 3 hours before considering it an accurate reading - also, it says Foobot really needs 6 days to get acclimated to your environment.
The one way I know it works like it should, is that in my kitchen, on the granite countertop area, I get high readings for CO2 and VOC. Doing some research, I've read that granite can give off carbon dioxide. I also have a backsplash that might be giving off gases too. Move it away, the problem air gets better. This has happened with all 3 units, although I noticed the Foobot was the most responsive in terms of time and inevitable outcome. I've also seen it react to cooking, which I understand to be a normal thing that happens. I ventilate when the rating goes up, and it comes back down as fresh air gets to the space. I've watched our CO2 level go up, same with VOC, for no "apparent' reason, but with a heat pump system, it does not draw in any new fresh air, so I've really realized I must open the windows from time to time to get some fresh air into the house. Other units are not as quick to respond, as though they delay their response to the issue although they end up there at some point (all but Awair, which doesn't go there in most cases for the unit I had).
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This company has the best of the best, so far. The app is awesome, it records data for more than a day, the unit stays connected for as long as I had it running, and I never had anxiety that I'd not be able to check the air quality when I wanted to. The unit has a knock knock feature that sends the data to your phone since it doesn't have a display when you tap on it 2x, and it can send you notifications when you hit a bad place ( too much carbon dioxide or VOC). That is very helpful. You can "tag" events so if cooking or vacuuming, you can log what it was vs. a bad air day/moment.
I also found that the unit does buffer data while disconnected from the network, and sends it through when re-connected, and that is cool too. Plus the CEO of the company writes back if you ask them a question or express a concern, through their website. I haven't heard back from a competitor I recently tried out and that is very sad.
As I'm trying different units to see what is best, and what I feel is most realistic and reasonable, so far this has been the best experience, even though I think it was broken and used, not new. If I decide to give this a 2nd chance, I'll order directly from Foobot to prevent getting a used and/or broken unit.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2016
Not very accurate, app is not very good and unreliable - post sales support is terrible.First off, let's talk about the accuracy of this device. The minimum level this product shows for VOCs is 125 ppb. That is the starting point. Formaldehyde at that threshold would cause eye, nose and throat irritation. I seriously doubt the accuracy of this device or usefulness.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2016
Out of curiosity, I had a lab test performed on Formaldehyde and VOC levels in my house (two separate tests, as the testing and sampling for Formaldehyde is different than other VOCs). These were both performed by PRISM labs and the results were vastly different from whatever the foobot is telling me.
The CO2 levels are algorithmically derived, meaning there is no direct measure. Given the accuracy of the VOC measurements, an algorithmic derivation of an inaccurate number yields another inaccurate number
Next, let's talk about the software - the app doesn't function very well. For a few months, the charts wouldn't work historical data was stuck at 8am. every day, no matter how many times you refresh it. It still doesn't work very well now, you have to refresh several times...until the last update, at which point the chart button no longer works at all.
Finally let's talk about the device itself. For me, it frequently loses wifi connection, though I have it within 5 feet of the router. It also randomly "resets", telling me 0/3 hours until ready. The algorithms appear to not like big changes in environment very often. Within the past few months, I'll open a window with it showing ~400-500 ppb on VOCs, then when I close it, it will freak out and jump to 1200ppb. This did not happen before the round of software updates. In the past, it's also within 10 minutes inexplicably decreased by like 100ppb.
I've given up on support after the first few exchanges. I would not purchase this again.
4/8/16 edit:
Thank you very much for the response from the foobot team. My issue not primarily with wifi dropping, it is with the accuracy of the foobot, especially after the recent upgrade that was pushed out. The unit simply freaks out now.
Let me provide you an example - I put the foobot OUTSIDE the house. Traditionally, this has led to VOC readings of 125. It tends to be 125ppb even when I place it near an open window. It is now reading in the 1000-2000+ppb range. For one hour, it also reached 29 THOUSAND ppb, I assure you I do not live near an EPA Superfund site and when I first owned the Foobot, it did not read at levels like this.
I will take you up on your offer of a refund and email support. Thank you very much for the generous offer.
4/17/16 Update:
As with the product, once again, premise is so promising, but execution fails. I mailed support right after the CTOs comments to ask for refund. After initial response from analyst saying they need to ask their manager, I have heard back nothing since then. Emails for update was met with radio silence. Nice.
4/25/16 Update:
Well, support got back to me after silence for two weeks and said that by having the foobot outside, it voids my warranty and I am out of luck. I dont understand how having the device on the outside of window sill vs inside of window sill with window open is any different? The 5 inches and mesh screen is going to invalidate the warranty? While it's great PR having founders answer questions and tout satisfaction guarantees on Amazon, the follow up actions speak for themselves.
5/2/16 and final update:
Gwen from support still insists that my warranty is voided. Ok. However, they said they wanted to keep customer satisfaction and issue me a refund, but ONLY if I removed my Amazon review. I was very surprised by this, as this ruins the purpose of having reviews on Amazon. I offered to change my comments on the Support experience, if the final outcome of the experience is positive,but declined to remove my review of the product on personal principle.
It's nice that the Inouk and the execs provide personal responses here and tout keeping customers happy and offering me a refund, but I am disappointed by the hidden strings that came attached with it. I would not expect a company to request a deletion of a review as a condition for refund and position that as preserving customer satisfaction. That's just bad integrity and values. I would not do business again with this company regardless of how good their products become in the future.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- david isomReviewed in Germany on February 11, 2016
I wanted to give foobot 5 * but ....well I am pleased to report that now I can.
-
- F. CastroReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2015
This product is not only recommended it's indispensable!
- 2XDReviewed in Canada on November 29, 2016
It's horribly inaccurate ..
I need to first mention I have been a amazon prime member for 2 years and purchased stuff almost daily for those 2 years, with a family of 6 we always needed or wanted something. However this is the first time I feel compelled to write a review. I feel I should properly advise anyone concerning buying this indoor quality that you money will not be spent wisely.It's horribly inaccurate ..2XD
Reviewed in Canada on November 29, 2016
I run a ventilation company and we started recently offering air quality testing included free with our service. We have purchased prior to this Footbot several designated monitors and testers. We are familiar with using them and the readings. When we compared our other testers to this Footbot the results we way off in almost every area.
PM (Particulate Matter):
Readings for PM are always inaccurate, they are always too low to almost nothing, How is it possible there is 0.00 particles in the air. (included a picture) I also provided a few other pictures comparing results with a Footbot and another brand that always seems to show a stable reading.
Conclusion for PM false readings and not reliable for motioning particulate matter.
VOC (Volatile organic compound):
I was unable to properly evaluate it's accuracy I don't have a monitor or tester.
Conclusion for VOC I prefer not to comment.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide):
Wow this is so far off that it's almost criminal, I already understand they don't have an devoted tester and are using results based upon VOC and other calculations, but cmon the results are off sometimes by 400-500 PPM. I have included an image sorry for bad resolution however the Footbot was around the 460 PPM mark and my proper tester was at 926 PPM.
Conclusion for CO2, I have tested and played with these for days just the CO2 and the footbot is completely useless and horribly inaccurate.
The temperature is somewhat accurate but off always by 1 degree.
The humidity is always off by 7-9 degrees.
Final conclusion: If you like home automation toy's or want to pretend like you know what's really going on with you air quality then maybe this will work for you. But if you want accurate results this is a complete waste of your time and money.
Images in this review
