GQ GMC-500
A good value desk or window monitor that posts readings online over Wi-Fi. Pick the 500+ if you want readings at very high levels.
Amazon $118$118
The GQ GMC-500 rates 3.1 among beta-gamma geiger counters geiger counters; the Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC rates 2.6 among alpha-beta-gamma counters ones. The GQ GMC-500 costs $772.76 less ($118 vs $890.76).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC
An analog survey meter for people who prefer a needle to a number. It costs a lot for what it measures.
Amazon $890.76$890.76
Scores side by side
These two sit in different detector type classes (beta-gamma geiger counters and alpha-beta-gamma counters), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own detector type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | GQ GMC-500 | Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Sensitivity 25% | 22 138 CPM per µSv/h (Co-60) | 15 100 CPM per µSv/h |
| Radiation types 20% | 40 gamma, X-ray, beta | 100 gamma, X-ray, beta, alpha |
| Dose-rate range 15% | 54 reads up to 4,250 µSv/h | 23 reads up to 500 µSv/h |
| Features 15% | 70 data logging, phone or cloud connection | 0 none of the listed features |
| Price 15% | 76 $118 | 4 $890.76 |
| Warranty 10% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| GQ GMC-500 | Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC | |
|---|---|---|
| Detection | ||
| Detector | GM tube | Mica window GM tube |
| Tube or crystal | - | energy-compensated GM tube with mica window |
| Radiation types | β γ X | α β γ X |
| Sensitivity | 138 CPM per µSv/h (Co-60) | 100 CPM per µSv/h |
| Max dose rate | 4,250 µSv/h | 500 µSv/h |
| Energy range | - | from 10 keV |
| Gamma spectrum | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Data logging | Yes | No |
| Connection | Wi-Fi | None |
| Battery | 3.7 V rechargeable Li-ion | 9 V |
| Battery life | - | 2,000 h |
| Build | ||
| Weight | - | 231 g |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |