Particle Counter Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Type (Airborne, Liquid, Others), By Modality (Benchtop, Portable, Remote), By Application (Cleanroom Monitoring, Contamination Monitoring of Liquids, Aerosol Monitoring and Research, Others), and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Market Definition

The market encompasses the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of instruments designed to detect and measure the concentration of particles in air, liquids, and gases. These devices utilize technologies such as light scattering, laser diffraction, and condensation particle counting to assess contamination levels in controlled environments.

Particle counters play a crucial role in cleanroom monitoring, pharmaceutical formulation, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental air quality assessment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and food processing rely on these instruments for quality assurance, process validation, and contamination control, making them essential for maintaining product integrity and operational efficiency.

Particle Counter Market Overview

The global particle counter market size was valued at USD 233.7 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 249.4 million in 2024 to USD 413.5 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.49% during the forecast period.

Market growth is driven by stringent regulatory standards for air quality and contamination control across industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Additionally, rising demand for real-time air quality monitoring, particularly for detecting ultrafine nanoparticles, is fostering advancements in particle counter technology. Increases R&D investments in to enhance detection accuracy and integrate IoT capabilities further contribute to market expansion.

Major companies operating in the particle counter market are Particles Plus, Inc., Beckman Coulter, Inc., Particle Measuring Systems, HCT Co., Ltd., Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, TSI Incorporated, GrayWolf Sensing Solutions, ARGO-HYTOS, Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co., Ltd., Durag Group, Climet Instruments Company, Rion Co., Ltd., Kanomax USA, Inc., Chemtrac, Inc., Hal Technology, LLC, and others.

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA, ISO, and EPA mandate contamination control standards, prompting industries to adopt advanced monitoring solutions. Cleanrooms in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing require continuous particle measurement to comply with these standards.

Companies invest in high-precision particle counters to meet regulatory requirements and prevent operational disruptions. Air and liquid quality standards in healthcare and industrial sectors further supports this expansion. This regulatory-driven demand is accelerating market growtht, ensuring compliance and product integrity across industries. 

For instance, the EPA establishes legal limits on more than 90 contaminants in drinking water to safeguard human health while ensuring water systems can comply using the most effective technology. Additionally, its regulations establish testing schedules and methods for compliance. 

Key Highlights:

1. The particle counter industry size was recorded at USD 233.7 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.49% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a share of 33.78% in 2023, valued at USD 79.0 million.
4. The airborne segment garnered USD 89.9 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The portable segment is expected to reach USD 151.0 million by 2031.
6. The contamination monitoring of liquids segment is set to grow at a CAGR of 7.65% through the forecast period.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.43% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

"Demand for Real-time Air Quality Monitoring and Nanoparticle Detection"

The increasing focus on air quality monitoring is boosting demand for advanced solutions capable of real-time nanoparticle detection, fostering the growth of the particle counter market. Rising concerns over the health risks posed by ultrafine particles, which penetrate deep into the respiratory system, are prompting regulatory bodies and industries to adopt more precise monitoring solutions. 

Traditional monitoring tools face limitations in detecting nanoparticles effectively, creating opportunities for innovative technologies such as semi-nanoparticle sensors (SNS) and hybrid inertial filters (HIF). These advancements enhance accuracy, affordability, and portability, supporting the adoption of next-generation particle counters across industrial, environmental, and research applications.

• A study published in Aerosol and Air Quality Research in December 2024 highlights the development of a semi-nanoparticle sensor (SNS) to address the limitations of existing nanoparticle monitors. This low-cost, high-accuracy, and portable device integrates with IoT networks and utilizes optical particle counter (OPC) and hybrid inertial filter (HIF) technologies for precise aerosol detection and classification. The SNS, validated against a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), accurately estimates true nanoparticle concentrations, enhancing real-time air quality monitoring.

Market Challenge

"High Cost Associated with Advanced Particle Counters"

The high cost poses a significant challenge to the growth of the particle counter market, specifically for small-scale industries and emerging economies. Sophisticated technologies such as optical particle counters (OPCs) and condensation particle counters (CPCs) require substantial investment, limiting widespread adoption.

To address this challenge, companies are developing cost-effective, portable solutions with enhanced efficiency. Integration of IoT and AI-driven analytics is optimizing data processing, reducing operational costs. 

Additionally, manufacturers are offering flexible leasing models and subscription-based services to improve accessibility. These strategies are expanding market reach while ensuring high-performance particle monitoring across various industries.

Market Trend

"Technological Advancements in Particle Counters"

Innovations in particle counter technology, including IoT connectivity, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven contamination monitoring, have enhanced efficiency and accuracy. Portable and remote particle counters with cloud-based monitoring capabilities allow industries to track contamination levels with higher precision, bolstering the progress of the particle counter market. 

For instance, Triplett Test Equipment provides the Triplett Model EPC600 Environmental Particle Counter, a compact and portable device designed for indoor air quality testing. It is well-suited for use in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centers, optics, aerospace, cleanrooms, operating rooms, and other environments requiring precise contamination monitoring. 

Enhanced laser detection and advanced optical sensors improve sensitivity, enabling the detection of smaller particles. Companies are investing in R&D to develop high-performance instruments that integrate with automated cleanroom monitoring systems. 

The growth of the market is further fueled by continuous technological advancements that enhance user convenience and ensure regulatory compliance across industries. For instance, Biofluorescent particle counters (BFPCs) provide a faster and more efficient solution for viable particle monitoring. 

Unlike traditional culture-based methods that require days for results, BFPCs detect the intrinsic fluorescence of biological particles in real time. MicronView’s Remote BAMS (BioAerosol Monitoring System) utilizes this technology to enable continuous viable particle monitoring in isolators and cleanrooms. 

Fully validated under USP <1223> and Ph. Eur. 5.1.6, the Remote BAMS meets the standards for rapid microbiological methods, ensuring accurate and reliable contamination detection.

Particle Counter Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation

• By Type (Airborne, Liquid, and Others): The airborne segment earned USD 89.9 million in 2023 due to its critical role in monitoring air quality across industries such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and healthcare, where stringent contamination control standards drive demand for precise, real-time particle detection.
• By Modality (Benchtop, Portable, and Remote): The portable segment held a share of 36.81% in 2023, attributed to its flexibility, real-time monitoring capabilities, and growing demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and cleanrooms.
• By Application (Cleanroom Monitoring, Contamination Monitoring of Liquids, Aerosol Monitoring and Research, and Others): The cleanroom monitoring segment is projected to reach USD 131.5 million by 2031, owing to stringent contamination control regulations in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing, creating a demand for precise and continuous particle measurement to ensure compliance with international standards.

Particle Counter Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

The North America particle counter market captured a share of around 33.78% in 2023, valued at USD 79.0 million. North America's  pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries iare expanding due to rising demand for biologics, personalized medicine, and vaccine production. 

Strict regulatory requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the need for aseptic manufacturing environments fuel the use of particle counters in cleanrooms and controlled environments. The development of new drugs and biologics further increases the demand for contamination monitoring solutions, supporting regional market growth.

Furthermore, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has transformed manufacturing processes in North America, increasing the demand for automated and real-time air quality monitoring. Particle counters integrated with smart sensors and cloud-based platforms enable industries to track contamination levels, optimize production processes, and enhance workplace safety. 

The shift toward predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making has further strengthened the role of advanced particle monitoring systems in industrial automation.

Asia Pacific particle counter industry is likely to grow at a CAGR of 8.43% over the forecast period. As a global hub for semiconductor and electronics production, key markets such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan are investing heavily in fabrication facilities. 

The increasing complexity of semiconductor manufacturing requires stringent cleanroom standards, boosting demand for high-precision particle counters. The growing need for consumer electronics, 5G infrastructure, and automotive semiconductors is fostering investments in contamination control solutions.

• The 2024 Asian Development Bank report highlights that East and Southeast Asia account for over 80% of global semiconductor production, fueling AI advancements and global technological growth. This dominance positions the region as a key supplier of semiconductors, with global industries heavily reliant on its exports.

Additionally, the rapid industrialization in Asia Pacific has led to growing concerns over workplace air quality. Governments have introduced stricter occupational safety standards to limit workers’ exposure to airborne contaminants, increasing the adoption of particle counters in manufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, and heavy industries. 

The expansion of industries such as metallurgy, automotive, and aerospace has highlighted the need for real-time air quality monitoring and contamination control.

Regulatory Frameworks:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces CGMP regulations to ensuredrug product quality. These regulations mandate that manufacturers establish robust systems for designing, monitoring, and controlling manufacturing processes and facilities. Environmental monitoring, including the use of particle counters, is a critical component to prevent contamination and ensure product safety.
• The European Medicines Agency (EMA)  outlines sterile medicinal product manufacturing requirements in Annex 1 of the EU GMP. The 2022 revision emphasizes a contamination control strategy, incorporating quality risk management and continuous environmental monitoring. The guidelines highlight the importance of using particle counters to maintain aseptic conditions in manufacturing environments.
• China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) mandates GMP regulations that require pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement strict environmental monitoring protocols. Particle counters are essential tools in these protocols to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
• South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety enforces KGMP standards, necessitating pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement environmental monitoring programs. Particle counters are integral to these programs to maintain compliance with air quality standards.

Competitive Landscape

Players operating in the particle counter industry are implementing strategies focused on product development and innovation. Companies are introducing advanced particle counters with enhanced accuracy, real-time monitoring capabilities, and compliance with international standards. 

These innovations address industry demands for improved contamination control and air quality monitoring across pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and environmental sectors. By continuously enhancing their product portfolios, manufacturers are strengthening their market presence and meeting evolving regulatory requirements.

• In December 2024, STAUFF launched the LasPaC-3-P particle counter for precise particle measurement in hydraulic fluids. The device ensures compliance with international cleanliness standards, including ISO 4406, NAS 1638, and SAE AS 4059, enhancing reliability in fluid monitoring.

List of Key Companies in Particle Counter Market:

• Particles Plus, Inc.
• Beckman Coulter, Inc.
• Particle Measuring Systems
• HCT Co., Ltd.
• Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions
• TSI Incorporated
• GrayWolf Sensing Solutions
• ARGO-HYTOS
• Cubic Sensor and Instrument Co., Ltd.
• Durag Group
• Climet Instruments Company
• Rion Co., Ltd.
• Kanomax USA, Inc.
• Chemtrac, Inc.
• Hal Technology, LLC

Recent Developments (Product Launch)

• In May 2024, Particles Plus participated in the Air Sensors International Conference (ASIC) 2024 in California, presenting its advanced aerosol monitoring solutions. The company showcased its high-performance optical particle counters (OPCs), known for their sensitivity and precise size resolution in airborne particle analysis, along with its condensation particle counters (CPCs), designed for detecting ultrafine particles critical to air pollution impact assessment.
• In June 2023, HORIBA, Ltd. introduced the Solid Particle Counting System SPCS-ONE. This launch enhances measurement efficiency by enabling centralized management of data collected from multiple devices through  the HORIBA ONE PLATFORM, streamlining particle analysis and monitoring.