If you are looking for an accurate blood alcohol content reading from a device that fits in your pocket, the BACtrack Trace Professional Breathalyzer is the best.
BACtrack uses its own patented, police-grade "Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor Technology" in most of its new breathalyzers, including our top pick, the Trace Professional Breathalyzer. The tech has a number of benefits including virtually no false positives, longer battery life, faster warmup time, sensitivity for high BAC testing, long-term reliability, and accurate, consistent results.
The Trace offers precise results for BAC levels from 0.000 to 0.400%. It also comes with the two required AAA batteries. To operate the breathalyzer, you press the start button. It then counts down from ten. Once it gets to zero, you blow continuously and steadily until it displays your BAC on the LCD screen. The unit remembers your previous ten BAC readings.
The BACtrack Trace is 4.25 by 1.875 by 0.625 inches and weighs only three ounces. It comes with a one-year warranty. Most importantly, this breathalyzer is approved by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Wirecutter liked the BACtrack Trace because it is about $30 less expensive than the company's high-end S80 Pro, and it is much lighter and smaller. Plus, it offers BAC-range detection similar to the more expensive model. Gazette Review also took a look at this unit and found it was incredibly accurate for its price.
In its review, Busted Wallet gave this breathalyzer a score of 9.3 out of 10 because you get professional quality at a reasonable price, it's simple to use, and the readouts are accurate. However, the reviewer didn't like that you need to calibrate it every 6 to 12 months.
Around 73% of the user reviews of the BACtrack Trace on Amazon are for five stars. A few buyers compared this model to several other devices and found that this is the most accurate option on the market. One of the reviewers was a nurse who relies on the measurements for her job. However, a verified purchaser noted that the device can be a little sensitive in it readings.
Pros: Lightweight, accurate, easy-to-read display
Cons: Requires occasional maintenance
Buy the BACtrack Trace Professional Breathalyzer Portable Breath Alcohol Tester on Amazon for $99.99