GQ GMC-800
A cheap, easy-to-read beta-gamma counter with a big screen and a lot of memory. Good for a first counter at home.
Amazon $85.98$85.98
The GQ GMC-800 rates 2.8 among beta-gamma geiger counters geiger counters; the Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC rates 2.6 among alpha-beta-gamma counters ones. The GQ GMC-800 costs $804.78 less ($85.98 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-800 | Radiation Alert Monitor 4EC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Sensitivity 25% | 21 132 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% | 43 reads up to 2,000 µSv/h | 23 reads up to 500 µSv/h |
| Features 15% | 35 data logging | 0 none of the listed features |
| Price 15% | 87 $85.98 | 4 $890.76 |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| GQ GMC-800 | 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 | 132 CPM per µSv/h (Co-60) | 100 CPM per µSv/h |
| Max dose rate | 2,000 µSv/h | 500 µSv/h |
| Energy range | 100 to 3,000 keV | from 10 keV |
| Gamma spectrum | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Data logging | Yes | No |
| Connection | None | None |
| Battery | 3.7 V 14500 Li-ion, replaceable, or USB power | 9 V |
| Battery life | - | 2,000 h |
| Build | ||
| Weight | - | 231 g |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |