Personal Breathalyser Buying Guide

Do you have licence restrictions, or other zero-tolerance testing considerations?

If so, accuracy at the lower end of the BAC range is critical. Look for a device with a higher-grade sensor and AS3547 Certification to ensure your results meet the requirements.

Are you testing at the Australian driving limit of 0.05% BAC?

Certain breathalysers are specifically adjusted to stabilize results within this range, rendering them significantly more appropriate for daily driving decisions compared to some general-purpose devices.

How important is portability to you?

Breathalysers range from hand-held devices to ultra-compact units that clip onto a keychain. Consider where you will keep it and whether size and weight are a priority for your lifestyle.

Would you like your results stored, tracked, or shared?

Quality app-enabled breathalysers connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and can log your test history, predict when your BAC will return to zero, and integrate with health apps for a fuller picture over time.

Is Australian Standards certification important for your situation?

Devices certified under AS3547 comply with national accuracy standards and are necessary for workplace compliance. Not all personal breathalysers have undergone testing for this certification due to the high costs associated with obtaining it. Consequently, AS3547 units typically have a higher price point compared to non-AS3547-certified devices.

Does the brand have a proven track record?

Seek a brand that is globally acknowledged, trusted by healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies, and has a proven track record of innovation in breath alcohol testing. A reputable brand will manufacture higher quality units with enhanced functionality compared to lesser-known brands, owing to their production volumes. There are only a limited number of international brands present in the Australian market.

What is your budget?

Breathalysers differ greatly in cost based on brand, sensor technology, certification, and features. Determining your requirements prior to purchase will assist you in avoiding overspending or under-investing for your needs.

Suitable Applications:

• Licence restrictions
• P Platers or younger drivers
• Interlock or driving restrictions imposed
• Prior to zero tolerance work testing
• Full license and younger drivers can use the same unit

Reasons to Buy:

• Accurately covers a broader range of testing requirements from 0.00% BAC up to past the driving limit
• Robust design
• Internationally renowned and recognised as the world’s best-selling breathalyser

Reasons to Avoid:

• It is the most expensive unit in the BACtrack personal use range due to the sensor’s BAC range coverage
• It is the largest unit in the BACtrack range

Accuracy: +/- 0.0045 at 0.050 %BAC

Core Features:

• Xtend® Electrochemical Fuel Cell Sensor Technology (Grade 9)
• AS3547 Compliance
• Optimal Breath Capture
• One-Touch Operation
• Previous Test Counter
• Low Power Requirement
• Hard Carry Case

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

When you need the number to be right and not just close, the S80 Gen2: Personal is the one to reach for. Built for P-platers, restricted licence holders, and anyone with a zero-tolerance requirement, it uses a Grade 9 Xtend® Sensor certified to AS3547 and tests accurately from 0.00% all the way to 0.400% BAC. The internal mini-solenoid pump captures only deep lung air, continuous temperature checking keeps every sample consistent, and acetone immunity means diabetics and those on low-calorie diets get a clean result every time. It is the only personal model in the range that covers the full spectrum, from zero tolerance through to well past the driving limit, making it the right choice for a family unit where both restricted and full-licence drivers share one device. Hard-shell carry case included and backed by up to 1,500 tests per set of AA batteries. The next stop is the S80 Pro Gen2: Workplace, which offers a slight increase in accuracy for 0.00% BAC testing.

Suitable Applications:

• Personal accountability with digital record-keeping
• Custody or court-order compliance (timestamped app-stored results)
• Health-conscious individuals tracking alcohol consumption patterns over time
• Anyone wanting smartphone-connected BAC monitoring with ZeroLine® prediction

Reasons to Buy:

• Full BACtrack app with test history, graphs, ZeroLine® prediction and Uber integration
• ZeroLine® technology estimates when BAC will return to 0.00%
• AS3547 Certified with Grade 9 Xtend® sensor — same technology as law enforcement
• USB rechargeable — no battery replacement required (~300 tests per charge)
• Compact and portable at just 47 grams

Reasons to Avoid:

• Relies on smartphone for full feature set — cannot be used without the app
• Shorter battery life (~300 tests per charge) vs. AA-powered models

Accuracy: +/- 0.0045 at 0.050 %BAC

Core Features:

• Xtend® Electrochemical Fuel Cell Sensor Technology (Grade 9)
• AS3547 Compliance
• Bluetooth Connectivity (iOS & Android)
• ZeroLine® Sobriety Calculation
• Advanced Features (continuous temperature checking)
• USB Rechargeable (~300 tests per charge)
• Apple HealthKit Integration
• Carry Case

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

For those who want more than just a number, the Mobile Pro Gen2 turns every breath test into a data point. Bluetooth-connected to the free BACtrack app, it logs every result with time and date, predicts when your BAC will reach 0.00% via ZeroLine®, integrates with Apple Health, and can even help you call an Uber if you have had too much. It is the go-to for custody or court-order requirements where a verifiable digital record matters, and for health-conscious individuals who want to track their alcohol consumption patterns over time. Powered by a Grade 9 Xtend® Sensor with AS3547 Certification, and offering the same accuracy standard as professional devices, it comes in a compact 47-gram body that is USB rechargeable. The Mobile Pro Gen2 is a comparable unit to the Trace Pro Gen2, which is a handheld device.

Suitable Applications:

• Everyday drivers wanting confidence at the Australian 0.05% BAC driving limit
• Those who regularly drive after social occasions
• Designated drivers or anyone making regular go/no-go driving decisions
• Buyers wanting the #1 selling personal breathalyser in Australia

Reasons to Buy:

• Sensor specifically calibrated to stabilise results in the 0.04–0.06% BAC range
• Australia’s best-selling personal breathalyser
• Saves last 10 readings for easy reference
• AS3547 Certified — same compliance as professional devices
• Slim, light, and easily portable

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not optimised for zero-tolerance or low-level workplace testing
• No Bluetooth or app connectivity
• No ZeroLine® sobriety prediction

Accuracy: +/- 0.0045 at 0.050 %BAC

Core Features:

• Xtend® Electrochemical Fuel Cell Sensor Technology (Grade 9)
• AS3547 Compliance
• Optimal Breath Capture (internal mini-solenoid pump)
• Advanced Features (continuous temperature checking)
• One-Touch Operation
• Saves Last 10 Readings
• Low Power Requirement (~1,000 tests per battery set)
• Carry Case

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

Australia’s number one selling personal breathalyser has earned this title for a reason. The Trace Pro Gen2 is purpose-built for the Australian driving limit, with a Grade 9 Xtend® Sensor calibrated to stabilise results specifically in the critical 0.04 to 0.06% BAC range where it matters most. The internal mini-solenoid pump ensures only deep lung air reaches the sensor, and continuous temperature checking keeps every sample consistent. It stores your last 10 readings for easy reference and delivers up to 1,000 tests per set of batteries. For P-platers and restricted licence holders, the S80 Pro Gen2: Personal is the more suitable unit, built specifically for accuracy at 0.00 – 0.02% BAC.

Suitable Applications:

• Buyers wanting a reliable hand-held fuel cell breathalyser at an entry-level price
• Outdoor, sporting or active lifestyle use
• Personal testing without app or Bluetooth requirements
• Robust design for on-the-go lifestyles and applications

Reasons to Buy:

• Most affordable hand-held Xtend® fuel cell breathalyser in the BACtrack range
• Same Xtend® fuel cell sensor technology trusted by hospitals and clinics
• Robust, slim design that fits easily in a pocket or purse
• Low power requirement — ~1,000 tests per set of AAA batteries

Reasons to Avoid:

• No Bluetooth or app connectivity
• No audible alarm or last-reading recall
• Not suitable for workplace or compliance testing

Accuracy: +/- 0.0050 at 0.050 % BAC

Core Features:

• Xtend® Electrochemical Fuel Cell Sensor Technology
• FDA Approved / DOT Compliant / CE Certified / NHTSA Compliant
• Effective Breath Capture (locks out ambient air and airborne gases)
• One-Touch Operation
• Previous Test Counter
• Low Power Requirement (~1,000 tests per battery set)

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

The right choice for buyers who want proper fuel cell accuracy without paying for features they will never use. The Scout Gen2 runs on BACtrack’s trusted Xtend® fuel cell sensor, the same technology used in hospitals and clinics, in a slim and robust design that fits easily in any pocket or purse. One-touch operation means you are testing in seconds, a previous test counter tracks usage over time, and the included carry case keeps the unit protected. It also offers the added assurance of FDA Approved status, with up to 1,000 tests per set of AAA batteries. If you would also like to step up to an AS3547 certified unit designed for the Australian driving limit, then the Trace Pro Gen2 is the obvious choice.

Suitable Applications:

• Buyers wanting the added assurance of an enlarged BluFire® fuel cell sensor in a compact format
• Those who want optional Bluetooth app connectivity for richer insights
• Anyone wanting dual-mode flexibility — screen or smartphone
• Those wanting a step up in sensor size and precision from the C6

Reasons to Buy:

• BluFire® Enlarged Fuel Cell delivers improved precision over the C6
• Dual-Mode operation — standalone OLED screen or full Bluetooth app connectivity
• ZeroLine® sobriety calculation available via the BACtrack app
• Compact and portable at just 56 grams

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not suitable for workplace or compliance testing
• Shorter battery life (~250 tests per AAA battery)
• Advanced features require a smartphone and the BACtrack app

Accuracy: +/- 0.0050 at 0.050 % BAC

Core Features:

• Advanced BluFire® Fuel Cell Sensor Technology
• Dual-Mode Operation — Standalone or App Mode
• Effective Breath Capture (locks out ambient air and airborne gases)
• Optional Bluetooth Connectivity (iOS & Android)
• BACtrack Companion App (tracking, ZeroLine®, Uber integration)
• ZeroLine® Technology

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

For buyers who want enlarged fuel cell precision in a compact and portable device, the C8 Smartphone Gen2 delivers. The BluFire® Enlarged Fuel Cell steps up the accuracy from the C6 Gen2 and brings the same professional-grade consistency trusted by hospitals and clinics, in a device that weighs just 56 grams. Dual-Mode operation gives you the flexibility to read results directly on the OLED screen, or pair via Bluetooth to the BACtrack app for ZeroLine predictions, test history logging, and Uber integration. Continuous temperature checking ensures breath sample consistency on every test, and it is compatible with all Apple, Samsung, and Google devices. For buyers wanting a hand-held design with an audible alarm built in, the Scout Gen2 is a good option.

Suitable Applications:

• Budget-conscious buyers wanting fuel cell accuracy for the first time
• Everyday keychain carry — attaches directly to your keys
• Social users who value Bluetooth app-connected BAC insights
• People wanting the smallest fuel cell breathalyser available in Australia

Reasons to Buy:

• Australia’s most affordable fuel cell breathalyser
• Smallest fuel cell breathalyser ever made — attaches to a keychain
• Dual-Mode: standalone OLED screen or Bluetooth app connectivity
• ZeroLine® sobriety calculation available via the BACtrack app
• 3 decimal place display for precise BAC readings

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not suitable for workplace or compliance testing
• Smaller sensor than the C8 — slightly less precise
• Shorter battery life (~250 tests per AAA battery)

Accuracy: +/- 0.0055 at 0.050 %BAC

Core Features:

• Advanced BluFire® Enlarged Fuel Cell Sensor Technology
• Dual-Mode Operation — Standalone or App Mode
• Effective Breath Capture (locks out ambient air and airborne gases)
• Optional Bluetooth Connectivity (iOS & Android)
• BACtrack Companion App (tracking, ZeroLine®, Uber integration)
• ZeroLine® Technology

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

If you would like fuel cell accuracy on a budget, then the C6 Smartphone Gen2 is the answer. Australia’s most affordable fuel cell breathalyser clips onto your keychain and fits in the palm of your hand, making it the smallest fuel cell breathalyser ever made. Dual-Mode operation lets you choose standalone mode for quick on-screen results, or pair via Bluetooth to the free BACtrack app for ZeroLine® predictions, test history, or Uber integration. The 3 decimal place display delivers precise BAC readings that entry-level devices simply cannot match, and the effective breath capture system locks out ambient air and airborne gases that could skew results. For even greater sensor precision and a larger fuel cell in the same compact form factor, the C8 Gen2 is the ideal next step up.

Suitable Applications:

• First-time buyers wanting an affordable, no-fuss personal breathalyser
• Social occasions where occasional checking is all that’s needed
• Compact everyday keychain carry
• Buyers who want the most economical option from the world’s #1 breathalyser brand

Reasons to Buy:

• Most affordable breathalyser in the BACtrack range
• Ultra-compact — the smallest BACtrack device available
• Proprietary MicroCheck® sensor with patented burn-in process for reliable results
• Fold-out mouthpiece protects the sensor when not in use

Reasons to Avoid:

• MicroCheck® sensor is less accurate than fuel cell technology
• No Bluetooth or app connectivity

Accuracy: +/- 0.01 at 0.05 %BAC

Core Features:

• Advanced MicroCheck® Sensor Technology (patented burn-in process)
• Ultra-Compact Keychain Design
• Effective Breath Capture (fold-out mouthpiece locks out ambient air)
• Easy-to-Read LCD Display
• One-Touch Operation

Warranty: 12 months (upheld in Australia and not in the US)

About:

Small enough to live on your keychain and simple enough to use anywhere, the Go Keychain Gen2 is the entry point into BACtrack. It is designed for social users who want a quick BAC check from the world’s number one breathalyser brand without the cost or size of a fuel cell device. The Advanced MicroCheck® sensor uses a patented burn-in process to deliver results that consistently outperform standard semiconductor sensors, while the fold-out mouthpiece protects the sensor and locks out ambient air between uses. Press the button and you have a result on the bright LCD display in seconds — no app, no setup, no fuss. When you are ready to step up to fuel cell accuracy with Bluetooth connectivity and ZeroLine sobriety prediction, the C6 Gen2 is the natural next choice.