You want the best EMF meter, one with the most accurate and easy to read measurements and the best features. Since you’re here, you’re probably aware of the potential health risks related to electromagnetic frequency radiation and ready to get testing your space.
I’m glad you’re here, looking at meters. It’s a great way to test your home or office to really get a gauge on the levels you’re being exposed to and where you can make changes. I have a separate post on the highest rated EMF meters here and the Trifield TF2 and GQ EMF 390 are at the top of the list.
The Trifield TF2 and GQ EMF 390 are my top two favorite meters that are well-regarded and highly reviewed for good reasons. They both have reliable, accurate readings and work great. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
They do have distinctive characteristics that set them apart, such as the TF2’s simple to use interface versus the GQ’s extra features such as advanced alerts and data logging features.
Yet, choosing between them isn’t as straightforward as tallying features. The best device depends on your personal preferences, like whether you want ease of use or advanced functionalities. So today we’re going to do an in-depth comparison to help you decide.
Both the GQ EMF 390 and Trifield TF2 are recommended as accurate and cost-effective methods of measuring EMF radiation. They both have received a ton of positive reviews for their precision in locating sources of electromagnetic radiation.
Trifield TF2 vs GQ EMF 390: Head-to-Head Comparison
When it comes to measuring electromagnetic fields, the Trifield TF2 and GQ EMF 390 are top recommended meters. Let’s look at their features, performance, and capabilities to assist you in selecting the right EMF meter for your needs.
| Trifield TF2 | GQ EMF 390 | |
|---|---|---|
| Detect RF, Magnetic and Electric fields | Detect RF, Magnetic and Electric fields | |
| RF range 20 MHz – 6 GHz | RF range 10 MHz – 10 GHz (broader range) | |
| Magnetic range 0.1 – 100 milligauss | Magnetic range 0.0~500mG (broader range) | |
| Electric field 1 – 1000 v/m | Electric Field 0-1000v/m | |
| three-axis measurement capability | three-axis measurement capability | |
| large easy to read screen (backlight optional) | large screen | |
| one measurement reading at a time | shows multiple readings at once | |
| doesn’t identify common possible sources | identifies common possible sources | |
| no built in memory | built in flash memory for data logging | |
| no built-in charging capabilities | internal rechargeable 3.7V battery | |
| no built in safety suggestions | built in safety suggestions | |
| no display options | display options | |
| measures weighted electric and weight magnetic – no other extra features | extra features real-time EF graph, RF spectrum analyzer, RF browser, real time power distribution histogram |
Field Range and Frequency
The Trifield TF2 operates on a frequency range of 20 MHz – 6 GHz, whereas the GQ EMF 390 excels with an extended range of 10 MHz – 8 GHz.
This means that the GQ EMF 390 is better equipped for detecting higher frequency fields and 5G signals compared to the Trifield TF2 as well as more readings in the ELF range, like dirty electricity.
However, in the mid ranges, where many household appliances and electronics operate, both meters have similar sensitivity as per standard parameters.
And honestly 5G meters and other high readings peak out both meters, meaning that the levels are too high for the meters to read. So although the GQ meter gives you higher GHz, I don’t think this should be the biggest factor in your decision.
Magnetic Field Detection
Regarding magnetic field detection, the Trifield TF2 achieves a range of 0.1 – 100 milligauss, while the GQ EMF 390 offers an extended range of 0.1 – 800 milligauss. (0.01~200µT)
The heightened sensitivity in higher magnetic field ranges puts the GQ EMF 390 as a valuable tool for advanced field detection requirements.
However the TF2 also has weighted magnetic readings, that indicate the full magnitude of currents produced by each type of field inside the human body. The weighted modes are more sensitive at higher AC magnetic frequencies (above 60 Hz)
You may have “hot” spots in your home office with high readings, often connected to unpaired internal wiring. Other sources to check are video displays, dimmer switches, fluorescent bulbs, electric blankets, heaters, and anything with a motor. Cars, especially electric vehicles are something you also want to check.
Understanding the specific magnetic field ranges helps with your choice in meter. For general household applications where typical magnetic field exposure is lower, the Trifield TF2 might suffice. For electric vehicles and environments with higher magnetic field exposure, you may want the broader range of the GQ meter.
Electric Field Sensing
In terms of AC electric field sensing, the Trifield TF2 covers a range of 1 – 1000 volts per meter (V/m), while the GQ EMF 390 measures 0.1 – 800 volts per meter. Both meters exhibit a similar degree of sensitivity within their specified electric field ranges.
While the upper limit of electric field detection differs between the two meters, their accuracy percentages at frequencies commonly found in residential and commercial settings (50/60Hz) remain comparable at ±20%.
The Trifield detector has a weighted ELEC setting like the magnetic one that measures the effect of the AC electric field on the human body. The best way to get the most accurate reading in this setting is to put the meter down or hold it on a board.
We can easily shield electric fields. Holding the meter at the back compresses the electric field, giving you a higher reading.
Now that we’ve taken an in-depth look at their technical specializations, let’s now explore how the Trifield TF2 performs and what sets it apart from other EMF meters.
Trifield TF2: Key Features and Performance
The Trifield TF2 EMF meter is crafted to detect all three types of EMF pollution – AC magnetic, AC electric, and RF/microwave radiation. It also has a unique feature, weighted measurements that tell you the effect on your body.
Its broad frequency range allows it to cover a diverse spectrum, making it suitable for various applications, including mobile phone and cell tower RF radiation, smart meter RF radiation, Wi-Fi router, and Bluetooth RF radiation, dirty electricity, among others.
Ease of Use
One of the best things about the Trifield electromagnetic fields detector is its simplicity. You don’t have to understand anything about RF radiation or magnetic and electric fields. It’s a great meter to start with but with great ranges for advanced users too.
Simply point or move the meter around and see what readings you get. Turn the dial to change the type of measurements you get. The instructions tell you what the safe range is for each field but you can also tell just based on if its a high reading or near zero reading.
The meter also has a sound option which changes in intensity depending how low or high the frequency it detects is. This allows you to find the source of radiation pretty easily. You also have the option to turn this feature off (which is nice because sometimes it’s really annoying).
Large Easy To Read Display
The numbers are very clear and easy to read on the large LCD display with an optional backlight, making it convenient to read measurements even in low-light conditions.
The optional audio indicator further aids in pinpointing EMF sources, enhancing the user experience and effectiveness of the device.
The peak hold function captures fast pulses, ensuring that transient electromagnetic events are not overlooked during measurements. This is what you want to look at when measuring RFs.
Accuracy
It’s not just about range; accuracy is equally crucial. The Trifield TF2 exhibits impressive accuracy within its specified ranges – ±4% @50/60 Hz for AC magnetic measurements, ±5% @50/60 Hz for AC electric measurements, and ±20% @1 GHz for RF/microwave measurements.
If you’re concerned about the potential impact of Wi-Fi router RF radiation on your living space, the Trifield TF2’s RF mode provides a valuable tool for quantifying and understanding this exposure.
With a frequency range covering 20 MHz to 6 GHz and a range of 0.001 – 19.999 milliwatts per square meter (mW/m2), it offers precise measurements critical for assessing RF radiation from such devices.
It’s also a tri-axis meter, so it can detect EMF levels from multiple directions simultaneously, providing a comprehensive assessment of the electromagnetic field in any given environment. Keeping it simple to use. You can learn more about the difference between tri-axis and single axis EMF meters here.
Battery Life
Electronics get bonus points from me if they come with their own rechargable battery. Unfortunately this meter does not have one but the battery lasts over 20 hours with the back light off and over 12 hours with the back light on.
In summary, the Trifield TF2 surpasses standard EMF meters with its comprehensive coverage of the electromagnetic spectrum, accuracy across different measurement modes, and easy to use user-friendly design elements that cater to diverse needs while maintaining an excellent level of performance. Click here to find the best price on the Trifield.
Now let’s delve into a detailed analysis of the key features and performance of the GQ EMF 390.
GQ EMF 390: Key Features and Performance
The GQ EMF 390 is an advanced EMF meter designed to accurately measure electromagnetic fields at a great price.
Similar to the Trifield TF2, it is equipped with a triple-axis sensor that can easily measure up to 400Khz for magnetic fields and electric fields up to 1000V/m.
What sets the GQ EMF 390 apart are its additional features, such as extensive data collection and graphs, the RF spectrum analyzer and radio frequency (RF) sensor that measures RF fields from 0.02µW/m² ~ 9999mW/m², covering a wide frequency range of up to 10GHz.
I really like that it suggests the most likely source of the radiation that is giving you the readings.
Real-Time Data Logging
One standout feature of the GQ EMF 390 is its real-time data logging capabilities with a built-in flash memory, allowing you to track and analyze EMF measurements and graphs over time. This data can be transferred to your computer or phone.
This functionality provides valuable insights into EMF exposure patterns and helps users make informed decisions about mitigating potential risks. You get histograms and graphs and time-stamped data.
Built in RF Spectrum Analyzer
For advanced users, the built-in RF Spectrum Analyzer features multiple frequency bands so you can conduct in-depth analysis of RF signals across different frequency ranges.
All-In-One Display
With this EMF detector you see readings from all sensors at once (electric fields, magnetic frequencies, and RF) and it tells you what the most likely source of the radiation is, whether that’s cell phone, power lines, 5G tower, WiFi, etc.
The display is also customizable, so you can use it in vertical mode, table mode, auto-rotate, analog mode, and rotate through the 3 readings to see their safety reading or even change the measurement type. There are lots of options to have the display that works best for you or the reading you’re trying to measure.
Extra Features
The GQ EMF 390 offers a user-friendly interface with advanced features such as a real-time EMF EF graph, RF browser, and power distribution histogram.
These features not only make the device easy to operate but also serve as educational tools, enabling users to delve into the intricate world of electromagnetic fields.
There is an alarm that also flashes if your reading is high and you can customize the alarms and sensitivity levels.
Imagine using the GQ EMF 390 to detect RF radiation from electronic devices and then visualizing the data through its intuitive interface. It transforms what could be complex measurements into a more digestible format, making it easier for users to understand and interpret the information they gather.
Rechargeable Battery
This meter comes with an internal rechargeable 3.7V battery.
So What Meter Should You Choose?
You can’t go wrong with either the Trifield TF2 or the GQ EMF 390. They are both great options and ultimately I think the choice becomes do you want a simple straight forward meter without any potentially complicated options or one with some extra bell and whistles.
