Choose peak flow meters when the question fits its direct job: it measure peak expiratory flow during a forceful exhalation, providing a technique-dependent airflow value that can be compared with a personal best and clinician-defined asthma action-plan zones; air quality monitors instead sense and report selected pollutants or environmental factors without cleaning air or delivering therapy.
Choosing well requires attention to different mechanisms. For peak flow meters, examine peak expiratory flow and personal best; for air quality monitors, examine sensor target and averaging interval. Secondary features deserve weight once the intended outcome is settled.