28 Best Air Quality APIs in 2024 You Will Need for Free

Air quality monitoring has become increasingly important in our data-driven world. Whether you're a developer, researcher, or business owner, having access to reliable air quality data is crucial. This article presents a comprehensive list of the best Air Quality APIs available, including both free and paid options.

‍

List of Best Air Quality APIs

1. Ambee Air Quality API

Overview: Ambee's Air Quality API provides real-time air quality data, offering insights into pollutants and environmental conditions worldwide. It is designed for businesses and individuals seeking accurate and actionable air quality information.

‍Features: Global coverage of real-time air quality data, historical data for over 30 years, forecast data, and multiple pollutant measurements.‍

Parameters: Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5, PM10, Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).‍

Free Tier: Up to 1000 API calls per day for 15 days.‍

Paid Plans: Multiple plans are available; contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: Air Quality API Documentation.

‍

2. Caeli Air Quality API

Overview: Caeli's Air Quality API offers real-time data on air pollution levels, helping users monitor and analyze air quality in various locations. It is ideal for developers and organizations focused on environmental health.

Features: Real-time and historical air quality data, wide geographical coverage, and detailed pollutant information.

Parameters: O3, NO2, SO2, CO, CH4, HCHO.

Free Tier: A free tier is available with a limited number of API calls per month.

Paid Plans: Caeli offers several paid plans with increased API limits and additional features.

Documentation: https://docs.caeli.space/

‍

3. MeteoSource Air Quality Data API

Overview: MeteoSource Air Quality API provides current and forecast air pollution data and air quality index for any location in the world.

Features: Integration of air quality and weather data, real-time updates, and global coverage.

Parameters: AQI, Aerosol, CO, Dust, NO2, NO, O3, PM10, PM2.5, SO2.

Free Tier: Up to 400 free calls per day.

Paid Plans: Various paid plans are available. Startup & Scale: $9.9/month for 20,000 calls per day; Standard: $79/month for 400,000 calls per day; Flexi: $5/ month for 100 calls per day with $1/100 additional calls; custom pricing for Enterprise.

Documentation: https://www.meteosource.com/

‍

4. AirVisual API by IQAir

Overview: AirVisual by IQAir provides a powerful Air Quality API that delivers high-quality air pollution data and forecasts, helping users stay informed about air quality conditions worldwide.

Features: Real-time air quality data, historical data access, air quality forecasts, and global coverage.

Parameters: PM 2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 500 calls per day - Community API plan.

Paid Plans: Multiple paid plans are available. Startup API plan: $399/month for 100,000 calls per day, Enterprise API plan: $999/month for 1,000,000 calls per day.

Documentation: https://api-docs.iqair.com/

‍

5. OpenWeather Map Air Pollution API

Overview: OpenWeather Map's Air Pollution API provides comprehensive data on air quality, allowing users to access real-time pollution levels and forecasts.

Features: Real-time air pollution data, historical, forecasting capabilities, and wide geographic coverage.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO, NH3, NO.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000,000 calls per month.

Paid Plans: Startup: £30/month for 10,000,000 calls, Developer: £140/month for 100,000,000 calls, Professional: £370/month for 1,000,000,000 calls, Enterprise: £1500/month for 5,000,000,000 calls.

Documentation: https://openweathermap.org/api/air-pollution

‍

6. Google Air Quality API

Overview: Google's Air Quality API, powered by BreezoMeter, provides high-resolution air quality data, helping users understand pollution levels and trends.

Features: Real-time air quality indexes and categories, health recommendations, pollutant details, hourly history, heat maps, and hourly forecast.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: No free tier is available.

Paid Plans: $50 for 10,000 calls, $500 for 100,000 calls, $1300 for 300,000 calls, contact for more than 500,000 calls.

Documentation: https://developers.google.com/maps/

‍

7. AQICN Air Quality Programmatic API

Overview: AQICN offers a Programmatic API that provides real-time air quality data from monitoring stations worldwide, enabling users to track pollution levels accurately.

Features: Real-time air quality data, global coverage, and multiple pollutant measurements.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, O3.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000 calls per second.

Paid Plans: Not available.

Documentation: https://aqicn.org/api/

‍

8. Weatherbit Air Quality API

Overview: Weatherbit's Air Quality API offers detailed air pollution data integrated with weather information to provide a complete environmental monitoring solution.

Features: Current air quality, historical air quality (hourly intervals), 3-day air quality forecast (72 hours/hourly).

Parameters: AQI, PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Business: $475 per month for up to 3 million calls per day, Enterprise: Starting at $950 per month for more than 3 million calls per day.

Documentation: https://www.weatherbit.io/api/air-quality-api

‍

9. Tomorrow.io Air Quality Data Layers

Overview: Tomorrow.io provides Air Quality Data Layers that deliver comprehensive air pollution data, suitable for a wide range of applications from health monitoring to environmental research.

Features: Historical, current, and forecast air pollution data for any location.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Custom pricing.

Documentation: https://docs.tomorrow.io/

‍

10. OpenAQ API

Overview: OpenAQ's API provides access to air quality data from a vast network of monitoring stations, promoting transparency and public access to environmental information.

Features: Open-source air quality data, real-time and historical data, and global coverage.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, SO2, O3, CO, BC, NO2.

Free Tier: Up to 300 calls per 5-minute window or about one request per second.

Paid Plans: Primarily open-source and free, but for commercial purposes, custom pricing.

Documentation: https://docs.openaq.org/

‍

11. AirNow API

Overview: AirNow's API provides official U.S. air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offering reliable and accurate pollution information.

Features: Official EPA air quality data, real-time updates, and nationwide coverage.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Primarily free and is a government service.

Paid Plans: Not available.

Documentation: https://docs.airnowapi.org/aq101

‍

12. Airly API

Overview: Airly's API offers access to real-time and historical air quality data, utilizing a network of sensors to provide accurate pollution information.

Features: Real-Time Dashboard, Report Generator, Forecast, Air Pollution Alerts, Air Quality Map.

Parameters: PM10, PM25, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 100 calls per day.

Paid Plans: Custom pricing.

Documentation: https://developer.airly.org/en/docs

‍

13. IBM Air Quality API

Overview: IBM's Air Quality API leverages AI and machine learning to deliver accurate air pollution data, enabling proactive environmental management.

Features: AI-powered air quality analysis, real-time and historical data, and global coverage.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: IBM offers a free tier with limited API access suitable for small-scale applications.

Paid Plans: Essentials starts at $500 per month for 200,000 - 1,000,000 calls, Standard starts at $3,750 per month, and Premium starts at $10,000 per month.

Documentation: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/

‍

14. NSW Air Quality API

Overview: NSW's Air Quality API provides real-time data on air quality in New South Wales, Australia, helping residents and businesses monitor pollution levels.

Features: Real-time air quality data, localized information for NSW, and pollutant concentration levels.

Parameters: NH3, O3, NO, NO2, SO2, Pb, CO, NEPH.

Free Tier: The API is free to use with unrestricted access for public use.

Paid Plans: NSW's Air Quality API is publicly funded and free to access.

Documentation: https://data.airquality.nsw.gov.au/docs/

‍

15. Azure Maps Air Quality API

Overview: Azure Maps offers an Air Quality API that integrates air pollution data with location services, supporting applications in transportation, urban planning, and health.

Features: Air quality data integration, real-time updates, and geographic information system (GIS) capabilities.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000 calls per user.

Paid Plans: For up to 500K calls, $4.50 per 1,000 calls; for 500K+ calls, contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/maps/

‍

16. Meersens Air Quality API

Overview: Meersens' Air Quality API offers real-time pollution data and personalized health recommendations, catering to individual users and healthcare applications.

Features: Air quality index, history access to more than 3 years, forecasts up to 4 days, heatmaps, geographical aggregation.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 5000 calls per 14 days.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://partners.meersens.com/#air-quality

‍

17. Xweather Air Quality API

Overview: Xweather's Air Quality API delivers real-time pollution data and weather information, supporting applications in environmental monitoring and public health.

Features: Current and forecast air quality up to 4.5 days detailed by pollutant type and region specified AQI category.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000 calls per day.

Paid Plans: Several paid plans offer increased API usage limits.

Documentation: https://www.xweather.com/docs

‍

18. AirQo API

Overview: Airqo's API provides air quality data across Africa, helping communities and organizations monitor pollution levels and improve public health.

Features: Real-time air quality monitoring, localized data for African regions, and historical data analysis.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Available with unrestricted API access for public use.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://docs.airqo.net/airqo-rest-api-documentation

‍

19. Plume Labs API by AccuWeather

Overview: Plume Labs' API provides air quality forecasts and real-time pollution data, offering insights into environmental conditions for various global locations.

Features: Air quality forecasting up to 7 days, real-time pollution data, and global coverage.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://plume.readme.io/reference/live

‍

20. Visual Crossing API

Overview: Visual Crossing's API combines air quality data with weather forecasts, supporting applications in agriculture, transportation, and urban planning.

Features: Air Quality Elements are currently available for the US and Europe with a limited history and five-day forecast (hourly or daily).

Parameters: PM1, PM2P5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 1000 calls per day.

Paid Plans: Professional—$35/mo ($350/year), Corporate—$150/mo ($1500/year), Enterprise—contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: www.visualcrossing.com/resources/

‍

21. Open-Meteo Air Quality API

Overview: Open-Meteo's API offers air quality data sourced from global monitoring stations, providing insights into pollution levels and trends.

Features: Global air quality data, real-time and historical data, and open data platform.

Parameters: PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, O3, Aerosol Optical Depth, Dust, UV Index, UV Index Clear Sky.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 calls.

Paid Plans: Up to 1 million calls - API Standard- €29 per month, Up to 5 million calls- API Professional - €99 per month, API Enterprise- contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://open-meteo.com/en/docs/air-quality-api

‍

22. PurpleAir API

Overview: PurpleAir's API provides real-time air quality data from a network of low-cost sensors, empowering communities to monitor local pollution levels.

Features: Real-time air quality monitoring, community sensor network, and localized pollution data.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, AQI.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing with open access to its API and community-contributed data.

Documentation: https://api.purpleair.com/

‍

23. AQI.in Air Quality API

Overview: AQI.in's API offers real-time air quality data for Indian cities, helping residents and authorities monitor pollution levels and take informed actions.

Features: Real-time air quality monitoring, city-specific pollution data, and historical data analysis.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Available with unrestricted access to its API for public use.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://www.aqi.in/

‍

24. Breeze Technologies API

Overview: Breeze Technologies' API delivers real-time air quality data using advanced sensor technology, supporting smart city initiatives and environmental monitoring.

Features: Advanced sensor technology, real-time air quality data, analytics and insights.

Parameters: CO, CO2, PM2.5, PM10, NO, NO2, SO2, NH3, VOCs, O3.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://www.breeze-technologies.de/

‍

25. API Ninjas Air Quality API

Overview: API Ninjas offers an Air Quality API that provides real-time pollution data and supports applications in health, transportation, and urban planning.

Features: Real-time air quality monitoring, global coverage, and customizable data endpoints.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 API calls per month.

Paid Plans: Up to 2,00,000 calls - Learner- $15 per month, up to 10,00,000 calls - Developer -$32 per month, up to 50,00,000 calls - Business - $119 per month.

Documentation: https://api-ninjas.com/api/airquality

‍

26. APIMS API

Overview: The APIMS (Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia) API provides real-time air quality data for various locations across Malaysia.

Features: Real-time air quality data, localized information, historical data, and health advisories.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO.

Free Tier: Available with basic access and limited API requests.

Paid Plans: Multiple plans are available for businesses & professional services, schools, colleges, and small & medium charities.

Documentation: https://apims.doe.gov.my/aboutapi.html

‍

27. Aircheckr API

Overview: Aircheckr offers an Air Quality API that provides comprehensive data on air pollution levels, enabling users to monitor and analyze environmental conditions effectively. 

Features: Real-time air quality data, wide geographic coverage, and detailed pollutant information.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2.

Free Tier: Up to 1,500 API calls per month.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://www.aircheckr.com/api_docs/#/

‍

28. Airthings API

Overview: Airthings provides an Air Quality API that delivers real-time data from a network of indoor air quality monitors, offering insights into various environmental parameters.

Features: Indoor air quality monitoring, real-time data, and personalized insights.

Parameters: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.

Documentation: https://developer-business.airthings.com/docs/

‍

Each of these APIs offers unique features and capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in environmental monitoring, health management, and research. Whether you need real-time data, historical information, or forecast capabilities, these APIs provide robust solutions to meet your air quality monitoring needs.