5 of the 13 features in our table differ between the PMS5003 and the SDS011.
particles · UART · 4.5 to 5.5 V
Plantower’s laser particle sensor: PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 plus particle counts, ±10 µg/m³ up to 100 µg/m³.
Watch out: 5 V and up to 100 mA with the fan running; data on a 3.3 V UART. Rated MTTF of at least 3 years: switch it off between readings.
particles · UART · 4.7 to 5.3 V
Nova’s laser sensor for PM2.5 and PM10, common in community air-quality networks.
Watch out: Bulky, 5 V and 70 mA. The laser is rated for 8,000 hours: run it in cycles.
| Feature | PMS5003 | SDS011 |
|---|---|---|
| Particles | PM1 · PM2.5 · PM10 | PM2.5 · PM10 |
| Supply | 4.5 to 5.5 V | 4.7 to 5.3 V |
| Lowest average current | 100 mA | 70 mA |
| Rated lifetime | MTTF of 3 years or more | 8,000 h (laser) |
| ESPHome | pmsx003 | sds011 |
Same on both: measures · technology · interface · status.
Open the sensor comparison →Tick what your project needs and see which sensor fits best.
The PMS5003 offers more particle sizes and a longer rated lifetime. The SDS011 offers a wider particle range.
Both measure particles: the PMS5003 reports PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 up to 500 µg/m³, the SDS011 reports PM2.5 and PM10 up to 999.9 µg/m³. They also differ in supply, lowest average current, and rated lifetime: see the table above.
Often yes: both use a UART. Change the driver or, in ESPHome, the component (pmsx003 → sds011).
SCD40 vs MH-Z19C SCD40 vs SCD30 SCD40 vs SCD41 SGP30 vs SGP40 ENS160 vs CCS811
Figures from the makers’ datasheets and product pages and the ESPHome documentation, checked in November 2026.