BACtrack is a lineup of breathalyzers priced between $50 and $130. Find out everything you need to know about BACtrack today in our review.
What is BACtrack?
BACtrack is a lineup of breathalyzers created by a company called KHN Solutions, Inc. That company offers a number of different breathalyzers ranging from professional-grade handheld devices to keychain-style breathalyzers for $50.
The company describes itself as “the leader in breathalyzers, offering a full range of innovative breath alcohol testers for both personal and professional use.”
How Do BACtrack Breathalyzers Work?
All BACtrack breathalyzers work in a similar way. You blow into a straw, the device analyzes your breath using proprietary sensors, and then you look at the results on your companion app or on the device itself.
All BACtrack breathalyzers use proprietary sensors that promise to provide the most accurate results. BACtrack uses a police-grade Xtend fuel-cell with MicroCheck sensor technology to ensure it gives you accurate blood alcohol content results with every breath. The devices are powered by batteries (the smaller breathalyzers require 1 x AAA battery, while the professional-grade devices require 2 x AA batteries).
All BACtrack breathalyzers also come with washable, disposable mouthpieces designed to collect the highest quality sample for yourself, while also letting you safely test other people when needed. Your BACtrack breathalyzer purchase includes 3 to 6 extra straws (although you can choose to order additional mouthpieces on checkout).
If you use the BACtrack app, then you have additional customization options available. You can connect BACtrack with Apple Health, for example, and choose what happens with your data. You can delete your data automatically after every breath, for example, or submit your data as part of an anonymous, randomized dataset. You can also share data with a loved one or even post to social media.
Another neat feature of the app is that it gives you your “ZeroLine” time, which is the amount of time you need to wait before your BAC drops back down to zero.
The BACtrack mobile app is available for iPhone and Android and is compatible with most modern smartphones and tablets. You can also sync it with your Apple Watch and any smart devices that run Android 4.3+ and are equipped with Bluetooth Smart.
BACtrack Products
BACtrack offers four core products in its lineup, ranging from inexpensive keychain-style breathalyzers to professional-grade breathalyzers priced at $130. Here’s a breakdown of each of the four breathalyzer products:
BACtrack Vio ($49.99)
This is the least expensive member of the BACtrack lineup. It’s about the size of a USB thumb stick. The device comes with Bluetooth connectivity. You blow into the device, then check the BACtrack app on your phone to get accurate BAC feedback. The BACtrack app even lets you call an Uber directly from within the app if you find that you’ve had too much to drink.
When you’re not using the Vio, the straw mouthpiece flips back into the side of the case, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Like the other members of the BACtrack lineup, it uses the Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor.
Other features on this model include Apple Health integration and personalization options. It’s compatible with most iPhones and Androids.
BACtrack Mobile Pro ($99.99)
BACtrack Mobile Pro is a higher-grade and more accurate version of the Vio. It uses the Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor (the same as the Vio), which is the same police-grade technology cops use, as well as an internal breath pump to ensure it gets the most accurate sample possible.
Like the Vio and other BACtrack models, the BACtrack Mobile Pro wirelessly connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth and is fully compatible with the BACtrack companion app.
One of the key differences between the Mobile Pro and the Vio is that the Mobile Pro has the breath pump, while the Vio does not.
BACtrack Trace Pro ($99.99)
The Trace Pro is a standalone device that does not connect to your smartphone with Bluetooth. It’s just a standalone breathalyzer you can use without a smartphone.
Like the Mobile Pro and S80 Pro, the Trace Pro uses the Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor technology, which is the same breathalyzer technology used by hospitals, clinics, and police organizations. It also uses an internal pump to capture the best breath sample.
Using the Trace Pro is easy. You just power the device on, then blow into the device to begin testing in seconds. Another important feature is that the Trace Pro is DOT/NHTSA compliant, which means it meets stringent federal requirements for breath alcohol screening devices.
The Trace Pro is powered by 2 x AA batteries.
BACtrack S80 Pro ($129.99)
The S80 Professional is BACtrack’s premium breathalyzer model. It uses the Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor technology and features an LCD screen to display BAC results within 5 seconds of blowing. It also has an internal breath pump system to optimize your samples. And, like the Trace Pro, it’s DOT/NHTSA tested and compliant.
The main difference between the BACtrack S80 Pro and the Trace Pro is the response time. The S80 Pro is ideal for testing large numbers of people simultaneously, as it offers a faster startup time and less time between tests.
The S80 Pro is powered by 2 x AA batteries. A single set of batteries will last through approximately 1500 tests.
Who Makes BACtrack?
BACtrack has been creating accurate breathalyzers for the past 15 years. The company’s devices have been seen in schools, clinics, hospitals, the military, and plenty of other organizations.
The company was founded by a senior in Economics at University of Pennsylvania named Keith Nothacker. In 2004, his BACtrack company became the first to obtain FDA approval to manufacture and market breathalyzers for consumer use.
You may recognize Keith Nothacker from TV: in 2008, the TV show Mythbusters used BACtrack products to dispel common myths about beating breathalyzers.
BACtrack has also been featured in major media organizations over the years. in 2013, BACtrack Mobile won rave reviews from tech media like Wired, Forbes, and TIME, including a Best of What’s New award from Popular Science.
In 2016, BACtrack unveiled a wearable alcohol content tracker called the BACtrack Skyn, designed to continuously monitor your blood alcohol concentration levels.
You can read more about the BACtrack story here.
Where to Buy BACtrack Breathalyzers
You can purchase BACtrack breathalyzers online through the official BACtrack.com website. You can also find them on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can find the breathalyzers at major big box retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Walgreens.
The breathalyzers are priced between $50 and $150 USD.
Should You Buy a BACtrack Breathalyzer?
Overall, BACtrack breathalyzers are well-reviewed products recommended by people around the world. Many reviews agree that the BACtrack is a must-buy for drinkers of all levels – like social drinkers or heavy drinkers who frequently worry about whether or not they can drive. It’s a reasonably-priced investment that could have an enormous impact on your life – and the safety of those around you.
