These detectors don’t use a Geiger tube. A scintillation crystal turns each gamma photon into a flash of light, which makes it many times more sensitive than a GM tube of the same size, so readings settle in seconds and weak sources stand out. Crystal detectors that measure the energy of each flash build a gamma spectrum that points to the isotope behind a reading. A solid-state sensor is less sensitive but sips power, which suits a shelf monitor that runs for a year on batteries. None of these detect alpha, and most read only high-energy beta or none at all.
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Full ranking 6
- Radiacode 110#1 of 6Full review
The best detector for finding and identifying weak sources, from uranium glass to contaminated finds. Pair it with a high-range meter if you want emergency coverage.
Amazon $399$399Scintillator4,620 CPM/µSv/h400 µSv/h - Radiacode 102#2 of 6Full review
The cheapest way to get a pocket gamma spectrometer with a polished phone app. A great everyday detector for collectors and travellers.
Amazon $249$249Scintillator1,800 CPM/µSv/h1,000 µSv/h - Radiacode 103#3 of 6Full review
The Radiacode for people who mainly want isotope identification in a pocket size. If you just want dose readings, the 102 is enough.
Amazon $319$319Scintillator1,800 CPM/µSv/h1,000 µSv/h - Radiacode Zero#4 of 6Full review
A sensitive pocket dosimeter that still works in a real emergency. Choose it over a spectrometer if dose readings matter more than isotope identification.
Amazon $299$299Scintillator960 CPM/µSv/h9,000,000 µSv/h - Aranet Radiation#5 of 6Full review
A set-and-forget home radiation monitor with a long battery life and a tidy app. It is not a tool for checking samples.
Amazon $139$139Solid-state sensor-1,000 µSv/h - AKSTEST HFS-50-CsI#6 of 6Full review
A low-cost scintillation dosimeter for general monitoring. Too little is published to rank it with the Radiacodes.
Amazon $149.99$149.99Scintillator-20,000 µSv/h