Organizer
Gadget news
Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: there’s something special about this budget-priced air purifier, and I can’t get enough of it
1:00 pm | November 16, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max: two-minute review

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is a simple-to-use and space-saving air purifier. It’s available from Amazon in the US and the UK at a list price of $69.99 / £79. It’s far from the most high-tech air purifier on the market but it seems to do a good job of purifying the air, despite its lack of bells and whistles and low price point.

Replacement Particle and Carbon filters are cheap, costing $21.99 / £18, and should theoretically last a long period, with BlueAir stating that they can last up to six months of 24-hour use. There are other filter options available, namely Allergenblock and Smokeblock, which offer more tailored protection.

An ideal air purifier for desktop or nightstand use, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max measures only 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm and is impressively lightweight. The reason behind this portable purifier weighing so little is down to the lack of protective casing over the filter itself. The colored fabric covering doubles as a washable pre-filter over the filter, and other than some structural plastic on the inside, that’s all the base consists of.

Image shows a close-up of the fabric pre-filter.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s possible to purchase further pre-filter coverings, and they’re available in a range of different colors, which is always a bonus for me. While this design is innovative and sustainability-conscious, it does mean that the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max could be at higher risk of damage than heavier plastic-covered alternatives.

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is as low on features as it is in price, but that’s fair enough. It has no automated fan settings or particle detection, just three fan speeds that can be cycled through via the fan touch button on the top of the purifier. It is helpful enough to monitor the condition of the filter, however, showing a yellow indicator when the filter is due to be changed soon, and red when it needs changing.

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max was a breeze to set up and operate. The touch buttons were responsive and the air purifier reacted quickly upon switching settings. Even though the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max lacked any kind of contamination indicators, the change in air quality was noticeable when the purifier was in operation. It had a surprising cooling effect on the surrounding environment, but as I was using it on a chilly November morning in the south of England, I consider this to be an indicator of how well the Blue Pure Mini Max was circulating the air.

The image shows the removed top section of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max sitting next to the fabric-covered filter base.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of volume level, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max operated very quietly on the lowest fan speed, so it was no problem sleeping or working next to it. The two higher settings are more noticeable, but still at a satisfyingly low volume, with the top speed giving me a reading of just 47 dB.

Overall, you’re getting what you pay for with the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The price for the air purifier is great, and the filters are good value, especially considering their longevity and the cost savings from the filter subscription plan available in the US currently.

In closing, I was pleasantly surprised by the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. I didn’t expect to be impressed due to this mini air purifier's low price point and lack of features, but the ease of use, good performance, and innovative design really won me over, and could see it sneaking its way into our selection of the best air purifiers before too long.

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: price & availability

  • List price: $69.99 / £79
  • Available now in the US and UK

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is a simple, desktop-sized, small-room air purifier that’s available in the US, and UK at Amazon for $69.99 / £79.

One element that often has the potential to catch people out is the cost of replacement filters compared to the initial cost of an air purifier itself. I’m pleased to say this isn’t the case with the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, as replacement Blueair Particle and Carbon filters cost just $21.99 / £18, which is particularly good considering the filters can last up to six months, even when used 24 hours a day. This cost can be brought down further still with Blueair's filter replacement subscription, but at the time of writing the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max and associated filters are only showing up on the Blueair website, so we’ll have to wait for them to become available on the official site to take advantage of this offer in the UK.

There are other filter types available too: the Allergenblock filter, designed to reduce our exposure to dust allergens, pollen, and pet dander, and the Smokeblock filter, with double the activated carbon intended to remove wildfire smoke, plus heightened protection against other wildfire emissions.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: specs

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: design and features

  • No display
  • Long-lasting filters
  • Machine-washable fabric pre-filter

This is a very simple example of an air purifier, with no app support, visual display, or automatic detection – but at this price point, it’d be unfair to expect much more. The fact that the low-cost filters can last up to six months when running for 24 hours a day is certainly an attractive feature, and one thing the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max can monitor is the filter life, displaying a yellow light on the top of the unit to indicate that the filter will need changing soon, turning red when it actually does.

The outer fabric looks nice from a distance, but the finish gives away the budget cost of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max; the fabric is a little loose, and the seam is wiggly and uneven, bulging out where it goes over the tan leather effect Blueair tag. The reason for this looseness becomes apparent as it’s not simply an aesthetic covering; it’s designed to be a washable fabric pre-filter.

This image shows a close-up of the seam and leather-effect tab of the fabric pre-filter.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.

Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.

Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.

The image shows the inside of the base of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, the top section is visible to the right.

(Image credit: Future)

There is no display panel on the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, with only a power button, a fan button, a filter indicator light, and three fan speed indicator lights on the top of the air purifier. The fixed power cable extends out of the lower portion of the white plastic top section of the purifier. I found this placement odd at first but, of course, as the base is simply composed of the filters and plastic frame, this was the only logical place to put it.

There’s not much to dislike about the aesthetic of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The finish along the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be better, and the cable placement looks a little unusual, but all things considered, it lives up to its name. It's satisfyingly small and lightweight, making it a perfect option for anyone wanting to relocate their purifier regularly, or for those who struggle with maneuvering things.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: performance

  • No display or smart features
  • Operated quietly
  • Easy to use

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max proved easy to set up and operate. It was essentially just a case of removing the packaging and plugging the air purifier in, job done. The touch buttons were responsive, so it was quick to turn the purifier on and off and to cycle between fan speeds. The reaction speed was satisfyingly quick when changing between fan settings, whereas some purifiers take time to slow down, even when quickly cycling past the highest setting to get back to the lowest.

Despite the lack of air quality data to review, the Blue Pure Mini Max made the air around me feel fresher quickly upon first use when running it at fan speed 2. It had quite the cooling effect straight off the bat, which I’ve not encountered with other air purifiers, with cold air blowing quite strongly through the air vents at the top of the unit. This suggested to me that the air was circulating well, but after a while, on a grey November morning in the South West of England, it made the room uncomfortably cold, so that’s worth bearing in mind if you plan to use your air purifier in the winter.

The white and gray Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max sits on a pale surface in front of a pink background.

(Image credit: Future)

In a 13 x 16 ft / 4 x 5 meter room, the sound of the air purifier is noticeable when on its second speed setting if there’s no other sound to drown it out. The pitch of the noise is interesting: it reminded me of the sound of a blowtorch, which is ironic considering it was cooling the room down. Blueair claims that their lowest fan speed is quieter than a whisper, and while I didn’t get a reading as low as they’ve stated, it was pretty darn quiet at 26 dB. It was barely audible to me from around four feet away. If I listened hard, I could hear a low humming, but it didn’t prove disruptive in the slightest when I was trying to sleep or working away at my desk.

Naturally, the higher fan speeds were louder, with fan speed 2 giving a reading of 35 dB, and speed 3, the highest setting, giving a reading of 47 dB. This was of course much more noticeable and made my cats a little wary at first, but compared to other air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Mini+ whose lowest fan speed was 39 dB, it’s satisfyingly quiet.

As with other low-priced air purifiers I’ve tested, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max couldn’t remove cooking smells. It did have some impact on the intensity, however, as I noticed that the cooking odor got a little stronger once I’d switched the purifier off, so I was pleased that it managed to make a small impact at least.

Overall, using the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max was a pleasant experience. It was small enough and light enough that I could find a space for it in every room, and it worked at a low enough volume that it wasn’t distracting.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max?

Buy it if...

You want multiple air purifiers without breaking the bank
The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max works hard despite its small stature, and its low cost means that it isn’t above the realm of possibility to purchase more than one so that you can enjoy its effects in multiple spaces.

You want a lightweight air purifier you can relocate with ease
Due to this purifier’s petite size, and the base consisting of a lightweight frame, the filter, and the pre-filter, the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is gloriously easy to pick up and carry.

You want some peace and quiet
The sound of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is barely audible when on the lowest setting, making it a perfect nighttime purifying companion. Naturally, it is much more noticeable at higher speeds, but it’s still much quieter compared to other small purifiers I’ve tested.

Don't buy it if...

You want automated purifying
A budget price means basic features, and so this air purifier lacks particle detection. This means it can’t be left to its own devices and settings must be adjusted manually for it to clear the surrounding air efficiently.

You want something robust
It’s certainly a big pro that this air purifier is light and doesn’t possess a load of excess materials, however, the internal filters aren’t the most robust and are only covered by a layer of fabric. On the plus side, though, at least the filters are replaceable.

You want a display
There’s no display or companion app with this low-cost air purifier. There are no settings to alter other than the fan speeds and, as expected, without particle detection there is no contamination data to review, either.

Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA
It’s double the cost, but it features an insightful and intuitive companion app, and it performed well during testing. It’s larger than the Blueair purifier but has the added benefit of automatic detection and an LED touch display. If you want to learn more, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.

Molekule Air Mini+
A much more premium option for those who value a higher quality of materials and extra bacteria-busting technology. Its communication wasn’t ideal, and so although it is smart and has a companion app, it isn’t always reliable, but used manually it has some great purification features that might take your interest. To learn more about its medical-grade credentials, you can find out more in our Molekule Air Mini+ review.

How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max

  • I used the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max for one week
  • I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
  • I tested its ability to tackle cooking smells

I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.

I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.

I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.

I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.

Molekule Air Mini+ review: high-grade filtering doesn’t offset this air purifier’s performance problems
5:00 pm | October 2, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Molekule Air Mini+ is a small but innovatively designed air purifier. It boasts medical-grade materials and patented PECO filter technology, using UV radiation to help further destroy airborne pollutants.

I tested it to see whether it could compete with our pick of the best air purifiers on the market. It's simple to use and has an aesthetically pleasing app, but the only data that gets recorded is the air quality, in a range running from Good to Very Bad. This means that, unlike some cheaper air purifiers, there's no breakdown of the type of particles contaminating the air. In addition, the Molekule Air Mini+ can't detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it hard for this purifier to tackle odors without manual intervention.

Note: the Pro version of this purifier does detect VOCs and is particularly good at tackling odors, but that model is significantly bulkier and more expensive (read my Molekule Air Pro review for more on that one). Alternatively, read on for my full Molekule Air Mini review below.

Molekule Air Mini+ review: price & availability

  • List price: $359.99
  • Only available in the US at present

At $359.99, the Molekule Air Mini+ isn’t cheap. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this must mean it’s packed with features, but Molekule has kept things seemingly simple with this model. Perhaps too simple, in my opinion, as cheaper alternatives can give more detailed readings.

What this purifier does have in comparison to these lower-priced alternatives, however, is patented PECO technology. This allegedly breaks down organic matter at a molecular level. While I can neither confirm nor deny that this is accurate, this, along with the use of medical-grade polycarbonate, would go some way to explain why the price point is as high as it is.

But I found myself asking: is this quality filter being used to its full potential if the Air Mini+ can't detect VOCs in order to respond appropriately in the first place?

The Air Mini+ is available to purchase directly from the Molekule website and on Amazon, but only in the US at present.

  • Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review specs

Molekule Air Mini+ review: design

  • Simple aesthetic
  • Redundant handle
  • One-button control

Air purifiers can vary aesthetically: some look utilitarian while others make a statement, and the Molekule Air Mini+ sits somewhere in the middle. It has some fancy little design elements but, overall, I’ve gotta say, it’s kinda giving bathroom trash can vibes. That being said, it is at least a fairly compact size, standing at 12 inches tall, with a diameter of just over 8 inches. It’s surprisingly heavy for its size, weighing 7.3 lb, which is 4.8 ounces heavier than the much larger Shark NeverChange air purifier.

The white medical grade polycarbonate outer has a textured matte finish, with the word Molekule inlaid in shiny silver. On the right-hand side, a somewhat redundant tan-colored vegan leather handle is fixed in place by a large silver metal pin. It wasn’t easy or practical to carry it around using this, so it appears to be more of a design choice to keep it in line with the design concept of its larger sibling, the Molekule Air Pro.

Picture shows the side of the Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier, mainly focussing on the tan faux-leather handle held in place by a large metal pin at the top.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s an inset gray band toward the bottom of the unit where the base meets the top section, and slanted gray slats at the top of the purifier circling the gray touch panel in the center. The control panel is subtle as no lights are on show until you touch the center to awaken the purifier. This center button is used to turn the power on and off, cycle through Auto Protect and manual fan modes, and reset the Air Mini+. In the middle of this button is the indicator light for the air quality in the room, it shows green for good, yellow for moderate, red for bad, and blue for very bad.

Picture shows a the top of the Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier, with a finger nearly pressing the illuminated auto protect button.

(Image credit: Future)

A series of white dots indicate the fan level, so one dot for the lowest fan speed, and five for the highest. It also shows an interlinked symbol when it’s in Auto Protect mode. There’s a Wi-Fi symbol that flashes up upon startup or if there are connectivity issues and a filter symbol that communicates the filter’s health.

In terms of packaging, the Air Mini+ comes in a shipping-style corrugated cardboard box, with consideration going into the cardboard fitments, eliminating the need for single-use materials like polystyrene. For extra protection, the purifier comes in a good-quality reusable drawstring bag.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review: features

  • Aesthetically pleasing app
  • Lacking detailed air quality data
  • Impressive (but expensive) filter

The Air Mini+ is compatible with the Molekule app, which has an attractive and easy-to-use interface with a cool-toned color palette and animations. Despite the app being simple to use, setting up the Wi-Fi connection was a bit of a headache, but I’ll regale my woes further in the performance section.

Once everything was connected, the Purifier tab on the app told me what the current IAQ was, from good to very bad. From this tab, I could also change between Auto Protect mode, or manually select a fan speed from one to five. There's also a percentage rating to show the PECO-Filter condition: when pressed, it provides further information on the filter capabilities and details on how to change it. In the More tab, you can connect to Alexa, add more air purifiers to the app, and enable or disable notifications.

Picture shows the base and cable spool of a Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier.

(Image credit: Future)

The Indoor Air tab shows a timed graph spanning 24 hours or one week. Unlike this purifier’s larger (and much more expensive) sibling the Molekule Air Pro, there is very limited information provided by the Air Mini+. You simply see a graph that notes the IAQ using the same color-coded system as shown on the purifier itself, and the length of time the air quality was at that level. There's no details on whether the IAQ was affected by dust particles, pollen, smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and so on. Perhaps this is enough information for some users, but when air purifiers that cost at least $100 less can provide more detail, it’s quite disappointing that the readings are so basic from the Air Mini+.

Picture shows the Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier with its top removed, revealing the PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter sitting within the base.

(Image credit: Future)

The Molekule Air Mini+ has received FDA clearance and is classed as a device intended for medical purposes. It’s stated that it can capture 95% of particulate matter and destroy bacteria and viruses by exposing them to ultraviolet radiation – though only when in manual mode on fan speed three or above.

The Air Mini+ comes with a PECO-HEPA Tri-Power Filter, which Molekule states can destroy bacteria, mold and allergens, and reduce odors and toxic gasses, with a 99.97% particle-capture efficiency rate. Molekule recommends changing the filter every six months, which doesn’t sound excessive, but it’s important to note that a replacement filter costs $99.99, or $79.99 if you subscribe to bi-annual deliveries.

  • Features score: 3 out of 5

Molekule Air Mini+ review: performance

  • Buggy Wi-Fi connectivity
  • IAQ tracking not accurate
  • Does not clear odors automatically

Having tried out many lower-cost purifiers and the Air Mini+’s highly talented sibling, I expected great things from this little purifier. The results from everyday use didn’t blow me away, unfortunately.

Upon initial setup at home, I couldn’t connect the Air Mini+ to my iPhone 12 Pro. I found that I needed to manually go into my Wi-Fi settings to find the Molekule Wi-Fi the purifier was trying to connect to. This action wasn’t prompted or made clear; on the app, a button just appeared asking to connect to the Molekule network, which would then throw up an error saying that it was unable to join. Once I’d discovered that I needed to join this network manually, my phone connected to the purifier.

Sadly, this wasn’t the end of the frustration. When it came to connecting the Air Mini+ to my Wi-Fi router, I was left with the spinning wheel of doom until I had to give up. I tried resetting the purifier, reinstalling the app, and restarting the Wi-Fi, but to no avail. I ended up admitting defeat late in the evening, which meant that even though the Air Mini+ was running overnight, it was not collecting any data. The only indication of the air quality was the colored indicator light on the top of the unit, which turns off until you touch it, so it wasn't easily visible from my bed. It’s unusual not to have Bluetooth backup available. I found this alternative connectivity option helpful when the lower-priced Welov P200 Pro wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi, as at least it could still record data and be controllable as long as the device was in range.

Picture shows a Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier sitting on a glass bedside table with a candle, cosmetic bottle, and potted plant to its right.

(Image credit: Future)

I decided to test the syncing process with our OnePlus Pad Go, to see if this was an iOS, app, or firmware issue. Upon installing the Molekule app, it became clear that it wasn’t optimized for Android tablets, or certainly not in this instance anyway. The Auto Protect and Manual button on the Purifier tab went beyond the edges of the screen, and the chart in the Indoor Air tab didn't display properly, in either screen orientation. I couldn't use the OnePlus Pad Go to connect the Air Mini+ to the Molekule app again, as the page was too large for the screen, so it wasn't possible to go through the connection process.

When I tried to connect it to the Wi-Fi in the office the next morning, it was the same fun and games, until eventually, the app said that there was an issue connecting to the network and to try to reconnect. When I pressed the button to continue, it successfully connected to Wi-Fi and I was able to name my purifier on the app. I had the same issue when setting up the Molekule Air Pro, but it surrendered much quicker than the Air Mini+.

The biggest issue with the Wi-Fi not connecting was that, despite the price, the Air Mini+ doesn’t use Bluetooth, so if you can’t connect over Wi-Fi, the IAQ isn’t tracked and you can’t adjust settings hands-free.

One element that's been a cause of irritation for myself and my colleagues is that when switching between manual mode and Auto Protect, the fan speed builds up to its highest (and loudest) setting, even when the air quality is good. This isn’t great at the best of times, but if you’ve forgotten to set it onto auto when your baby is napping, or you’re in a quiet shared office, say, it’s very inconvenient. It was particularly off-putting when going to bed late at night, as it became more apparent to me that it took the fan some time to reduce to its final speed when I put it onto auto, even though it had only been on manual for a moment and the IAQ was good, meaning that the fan noise is loud for longer than it needs to be.

Image shows screenshots of the Molekule app showing bad and very bad air quality readings, but the graph is still showing good coloring.

(Image credit: Molekule)

When using it in the TechRadar reviews office, the readings did not correspond with the Molekule Air Pro I had running simultaneously. The Air Pro detected a substantial drop in air quality on two occasions, which was when there was a lot of activity in the office. The reason that the two Molekule purifiers didn’t correspond with one another is simple – the Air Pro can detect an increase in VOC, but the Mini+ lacks this ability. While this can’t be held against the Mini+ due to the massive price difference between the two, before settling on a purifier you should consider the contaminants you want to be detected so that your purifier can react and clear the air fast.

I sprayed dry shampoo toward the Air Mini+ and it detected it quickly. The fan sped up gradually as a result, changing the IAQ from bad back to good within two minutes. The fan speed slowed gradually, even though the fragrance remained strong in the air. I manually set the purifier to full fan speed to clear the fragrance from the dry shampoo, it took the Air Mini+ about 30 minutes to clear the air. This is more than double the time it took the AiDot Welov P200 Pro, which left the air smelling fresher after just 10 minutes of running on full power.

One issue that became apparent is that the app does not always correspond with the reading on the purifier itself. When performing the dry shampoo test in the TR office it relayed the change in air quality after some time, but when I retested at home, it didn't register that the Air Mini+ was detecting bad air quality at all, relaying a fairly flatline reading of “good” over the whole day. While this isn’t the end of the world, as the purifier itself still reacted, it’s not ideal if you want to keep track of the air quality remotely or in the morning after a night's sleep, as the data does not feel reliable.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Molekule Air Mini+?

Buy it if...

You don’t want a visible display
The light-up control panel turns off promptly following inactivity, so you’re left with what simply looks like the top panel of the air purifier.

You prefer a minimalist, Scandi design
With a simplistic color palette of white and gray and a tan-colored faux leather handle, the Air Mini+ could easily fit into many homes.

You want a simple-to-use app
Attractive and user-friendly, you can use the app to easily control the Air Mini+, review the filter life, connect to Alexa, and change notification settings.

Don't buy it if...

You want to keep noise to a minimum
Curiously, the Air Mini+ insists on increasing the fan speed to its maximum when Auto Protect mode is switched on, so if you want to change to this setting quietly, you’re out of luck.

You’re on a budget
There’s no doubt about it, this air purifier isn’t cheap. I could forgive this if it had more features or performed particularly well, but it didn’t impress any more than purifiers I’ve tested that cost $100 less.

You’d like to see what’s contaminating your air
The readings provided on the Molekule app from the Air Mini+ are disappointingly basic. Where other air purifiers can tell you the different particle types, VOCs, CO2, humidity, and so on, the Air Mini+ simply shows you whether the overall air quality was rated between good or very bad throughout the day or week.

Molekule Air Mini+ review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier
Less than half the price but very highly rated, we loved the Levoit Core 300S when we reviewed it, scoring it four and a half stars out of five. The readings aren’t the most detailed, only showing the PM2.5 level, but we were impressed with the performance for the cost.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
If the sky-high cost of the Air Mini+ replacement filters is putting you off, then the long-lasting filter capabilities of the Shark NeverChange might suit you better. Two washable DebrisDefence filters add another layer of protection, meaning that the HEPA filter could last for years.

How I tested the Molekule Air Mini+

  • I used the Molekule Air Mini+ for one week
  • I tested it in multiple environments
  • I observed its reaction to aerosols

I tested the Molekule Air Mini+ in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance left by the latter.

I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

Molekule Air Pro review: an air purifier that filters well, but it’s very pricey
9:00 am | September 26, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Air purifiers can be considered yet another unnecessary gadget adding to the clutter in our homes, but if you want to dull strong odors, or try to reduce levels of hayfever-causing pollen indoors, the Molekule Air Pro could actually prove helpful.

I had the pleasure of testing a unit to see how it compared to the best air purifiers on the market. I loved its simple and aesthetically pleasing app, which kept me well informed with real-time and historical indoor air quality readings, but, at this price point, I expected more features. Check out my review below for the full story.

Molekule Air Pro review: price & availability

  • List price: $1,014.99 / £799.99
  • Available in the US, only available via Amazon in the UK

Listed at $1,014.99 on the official Molekule website, and £799.99 on Amazon, the Air Pro is, without doubt, a premium-priced air purifier. During my time reviewing it, I did see it discounted on the Molekule website and Amazon US, with a sale price of $749.99 initially, further dropping down to $649.99 over the Labor Day sales – so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals if you’re in the US.

I won’t lie, I winced the first time I became aware of the Molekule Air Pro's price. I felt sure it must be massively overpriced; but its FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, impressive detection and responsiveness, and informative companion app have changed my tune, albeit begrudgingly.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Molekule recommends that the filters are changed every six months, with replacements costing $174.99 / £159.99, so this cost will need to be factored in, too.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: specs

Molekule Air Pro review: design

  • Medical grade without the medical aesthetic
  • Satisfying opening mechanism
  • Touchscreen display

The aesthetics of the Molekule Air Pro are simple yet satisfying. The outer housing is made from substantial-feeling aluminum and medical-grade polycarbonate. A tan-colored faux leather handle is attached at the front and back of the purifier using large metal pins.

As is to be expected of a metal-cased appliance standing at 23 inches / 586mm tall and 11 inches / 278mm wide, the Air Pro weighs a fair bit at 23lbs / 10.4kg. It comes packaged in a large cardboard box with cardboard fitments – and, helpfully, the reusable pull-string bag has handles that make it easier to take out of the box.

The faux leather handle on the unit itself can happily take the Air Pro's weight, but it still isn’t the easiest to carry around. As a shorter-than-average woman with limited upper body strength, I was able to lift it and carry it up and down stairs, but I certainly didn’t look the most dignified doing it.

Image shows the Molekule Air Pro air purifier being lifted by its faux leather strap.

(Image credit: Future)

The top face of the Air Pro is encircled by slanted vent holes, with a black circular touch display at the center. There are five screens to swipe between. The first is color-coded according to the IAQ (indoor air quality) level: green for good; yellow for moderate; red for bad; and blue for very bad. On the second screen, the levels of VOC (volatile organic compounds), particle matter, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity in the air are detailed. Screen three has Auto Protect mode and five individual fan speeds. The filter condition can be found on the fourth screen and, finally, screen five offers various functions and settings including standby, languages, purifier details, and so on. While this method of operation is efficient, and at first the shiny finish looks nice, after some time you'll notice fingerprints on the screen and dust and debris on the Air Pro's shiny surface and inside the vent fins – which is particularly visible over the white.

The display screen automatically goes to sleep when it isn’t being used and takes a touch or two to awaken again. There isn’t a Dark mode on the Air Pro, or the option to turn off the blue light when the fan is operational. This is because it isn't possible to contain all of the UV-A light from the PECO technology, meaning that there's a subtle blue glow visible beneath the slanted vent holes.

Image shows the top panel being lifted out of the Molekule Air Pro air purifier revealing the filter inside the base section.

(Image credit: Future)

Access to the filter is simple: gently push down on the top of the air purifier and twist counter-clockwise. This top piece will slowly rise up, allowing you to remove it and reach the filter. To replace it again, I simply needed to align the red lines on the top section and the inside of the main purifier body, before gently pushing and twisting the top section in a clockwise direction to fix it in place again.

Overall, other than being somewhat cumbersome and a bit of a fingerprint and dust magnet, the Air Pro looks and feels premium, which is only fair given its high price.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: features

  • Good range of contaminants detected
  • FDA Class II medical device clearance
  • Lack of features in the app

The Molekule Air Pro offers a greater number of features than its smaller and lower-priced companion, the Air Mini+. Not only can the Air Pro detect particle matter, but it can also identify, record, and tackle more airborne nasties, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene. The levels of VOCs, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 are detailed on the display on the top of the purifier and in the Molekule app.

The Molekule app allowed me to view the current air score, and switch between fan modes. These included Auto Protect, which has the option of running on Standard, or Quiet for night-time use, and manual speeds from one to five. It was pretty straightforward to keep an eye on air quality using the daily and weekly history, which is plotted onto a graph using colored lines to indicate the indoor air quality (IAQ) at that time. There are also colored rings below the graph that represent the different air scores, which note the number of minutes or hours the air quality was at that level over the time period.

Image shows the top display panel of the Molekule Air Pro air purifier, which is sitting on a mustard colored rug in a living room.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s only a shame that the app settings are quite basic. With much cheaper purifiers such as the AiDot Welov P200 Pro, it’s possible to adjust display brightness, enable screen lock, and set timers and schedules without the use of third-party smart tools such as Alexa. At this price point, I expected a greater number of features. I was happy to see that there were notification settings – until I discovered that this was only to notify when the filter is nearing the end of its life. It would have been helpful to have notifications about changes in air quality, which cheaper purifiers such as the Levoit 300S provide.

One big selling point of the Molekule Air Pro, and a bit of an explanation for the sky-high cost, is the PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter. Photo Electro Chemical Oxidation (PECO) is Molekule’s patented technology that it states can destroy viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, VOCs, and more. This technology supposedly creates a powerful chemical reaction, which occurs when the filter is exposed to the built-in UV-A light located in the center of the Air Pro’s body, to destroy organic pollutants. This is teamed with a true HEPA filter, which is said to have a 99.97% particle-capture efficiency rate, along with a layer of carbon to help reduce odors and toxic gases.

Image shows the filter being lifted out from the inside of the Molekule Air Pro air purifier.

(Image credit: Future)

The Molekule Air Pro has been granted FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, which means that it’s suitable for medical purposes since it can capture 95% of particulate matter and destroy contaminants by exposing them to UV radiation. It is caveated on the Molekule website that this is when the purifier is operated in Standard Auto mode, or on at least fan speed two when using manual settings.

The Air Pro has an impressive working range, capable of purifying spaces up to 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq meters. This is the biggest range we’ve seen in all of the air purifiers we’ve tested to date.

  • Features score: 4 out of 5

Molekule Air Pro review: performance

  • Cleared odors quickly
  • Some app glitches
  • Slow but steady air purification

Setting up the Molekule Air Pro was relatively straightforward, I simply needed to unwind the power cable and plug it in, following the instructions on the Molekule app to get it connected. It took a couple of attempts to connect the purifier to the app, and then further attempts to get the purifier connected to Wi-Fi since it kept getting stuck, leading me to have to restart the app multiple times. It got there eventually, though.

It’s curious that an air purifier at this price doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity as well as Wi-Fi. The AiDot Welov P200 Pro is over $800 cheaper than the Air Pro, and yet it arrives with Bluetooth for instances where a Wi-Fi connection isn’t possible, meaning that you don’t miss out on IAQ data when you’re within range of the purifier.

I used the Air Pro for a couple of weeks, both in the office and in my bedroom at home. Its readings aligned with our air quality monitor, and it reacted quickly to changes in the office environment and at home. It was clear to see the changes in air quality when there were more people in the office, or when we were eating our lunch. Variations were also picked up by the purifier at home, with the air quality dipping when I sprayed on some perfume, for example.

Image shows the base of the Molekule Air Pro air purifier, revealing the cable reel that is concealed underneath the unit.

(Image credit: Future)

Other than a few little niggles, the Molekule Air Pro performed well when I tested its reactions following air contamination from dry shampoo. I left the purifier on Standard Auto Protect mode to see how quickly it would detect the change in air quality, and how quickly it could clear the air. After I sprayed some dry shampoo around the Air Pro, it took a few seconds to detect the reduction in indoor air quality, causing the air score to change to Very Bad.

Unlike the Molekule Air Mini+, this change in IAQ was accurately recorded on the air quality graph in the Air Pro’s app, showing a clear spike in the level of particulate matter and VOCs within a minute. That said, it doesn’t show the reading of "very bad"; but this is likely because it was at this level for less than a minute.

A little side note: I liked how the app shows the “Top 3 offenders in your air”, which after the dry shampoo assault showed Chemicals (VOC), Microfine particles (PM1.0), and Fine particles (PM2.5).

Image shows the Molekule Air Pro air purifier sitting on a mustard colored rug in a living room.

(Image credit: Future)

The fan upped its speed gradually in response to the "very bad" air score, dropping to "bad" in less than a minute. At this point, the air quality graph in the app had a little wobble. Whenever I tried to view which contaminants were affecting the air score, the graph would revert to the "good" reading from earlier that hour, while still showing that the current air score was "bad" up above. This wasn’t the end of the world at the time, since I could view the detailed readings on the purifier itself; but this glitch wouldn’t be ideal if you were trying to view this detail away from home.

The fan didn’t speed up as high as I'd expected. Other air purifiers I’ve tested tended to go up to the max fan speed when a similar IAQ rating had been recorded. The fan speed of the Air Pro seemed to remain at a moderate level, so it took about 20 minutes for the IAQ to return a "moderate" reading; and a further half an hour for it to return to "good".

While other air purifiers I’ve tested have returned a reading of good IAQ within minutes, it’s worth remembering that while many of these cheaper models have the ability to filter VOCs, they can’t detect them, so their readings aren't as in-depth as given by the Molekule Air Pro.

Image shows fingers scrolling through information of the control panel of the Molekule Air Pro air purifier.

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of odor control, the Air Pro did a decent job of removing the strong fragrance of the dry shampoo within 15 minutes. In the first few days of testing, I agitated an old rug in our music testing room to see how the Air Pro would respond. Its was similar to when it encountered the dry shampoo, seemingly taking a low-and-slow approach to clearing the air. As part of this test, the purifier was left on Auto Protect for a few hours, which in my opinion left an odor similar to a freshly painted room, although my colleague said it just smelt of fresher air to him. It could be the filter that gives off this odor during its first few hours, or perhaps that’s actually what our unventilated little testing room smells like once the dusty air has been handled!

Unlike the Air Mini+, I was able to sleep with the Air Pro on Standard Auto Protect mode without issue. There were no surprise increases in fan speeds that interrupted my slumber, gaining it some bonus points from me. I did find a similarity to the Air Mini+ in that when it changed from manual speed three via Standard Auto Protect to Quiet Auto Protect, it took a couple of minutes for the fan speed to reduce to a low level, despite the air score being "good".

I used a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro to measure the sound level of the lowest, middle, and top fan speeds. Fan speed one gave a reading of 38dB, which is equivalent to light rain; fan speed three was 51dB, which is roughly the same volume as the noise from a refrigerator running, and the highest setting, fan speed six, was 78dB, which is as loud as a coffee grinder.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should I buy the Molekule Air Pro?

Buy it if...

You want an FDA-recognized air purifier
The Air Pro has FDA 510(k) Class II medical device clearance, offering some added reassurance that your air quality is genuinely being improved.

You want easy-to-decipher IAQ readings
Thanks to the color-coded line graph and associated timings displayed below, it’s really easy to view real-time changes to your air quality, as well as a clear timeline and summary of when the quality changed and the duration.

You want more than just particle detection
The problem with budget air purifiers is they're often limited to detecting particle matter. VOCs can have a big impact on air quality; the Air Pro can detect changes to VOC levels and react accordingly. This can be better for clearing odors that cheaper purifiers might miss.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
This probably goes without saying, but this air purifier is not cheap. While it does a good job and looks good for the money, it’s an awfully large investment.

You want something portable
The Air Pro would work well in an open-plan living space, but it won’t be so convenient if you intend to use it in different rooms, such as your living space during the day, and the kitchen when cooking, due to its size and weight.

You have unreliable Wi-Fi
For some strange reason, the Air Pro doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity. While this isn’t the end of the world, it can prove frustrating if you’re encountering Wi-Fi issues, because there’s no way to record the air quality data as the purifier can no longer communicate with the app.

Molekule Air Pro review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier
A fraction of the price, this four-and-a-half-star-rated air purifier comes with a range of controls and features on its useful companion app. The Levoit Core 300S is perfect for smaller spaces, and it keeps you in the loop at home or away, thanks to the push notifications informing you of significant drops in air quality so you can choose to power it on or adjust the settings from wherever you may be.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
If the capabilities of the Molekule Air Pro go above and beyond what you need, and you’d rather not pay out twice a year for pricey filters, then the Shark NeverChange may be more up your alley. With a washable DebrisDefence filter on either side, the life of the HEPA filter can be extended by up to five years, plus a replacement filter is only $89.95 / £39.99.

How I tested the Molekule Air Pro

  • I used the Molekule Air Pro for two weeks
  • I tested it in multiple environments
  • I observed its reaction to aerosols

I tested the Molekule Air Pro in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance of the latter.

I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan review
6:00 pm | September 13, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Dreo MC710S air purifier: two-minute review

The Dreo MC710S is part tower fan, part air purifier. It promises both cleaner air and a cooler room with a host of smart features thrown in for good measure. It’s definitely on the larger, heavier side, and its industrial grey/silver plastic finish may not win any beauty contests. But, its height and build are practical and deliberate to make sure it offers the range of features and power needed. 

One such feature is its dual DC motors. These motors push air at a speed of up to 27 feet per second, meaning you can put it at one end of a large-to-medium-sized room and still feel a breeze at the other. The oscillation option, which covers up to 120 degrees, then makes sure this air reaches into the corners of the room (albeit at an oscillating speed that's much slower than I'd like). 

The fan operates in four modes: Normal, Sleep, Auto, and Breeze. The Sleep mode lowers the fan speed and noise, making it barely noticeable at night. The Auto mode adjusts the fan speed based on the room's temperature. As its name suggests, Breeze mode creates a gentle flow of air; this is the default setting for when the purifier is running. Note that you can run the fan without the purifier, but not the purifier without the fan. This is a little annoying when you just want to clear, and not cool the air, but it's a minor complaint. Overall, it compares well to the rest of the best fans on the market.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the purifier, the MC710S' dual filtration system includes a pre-filter and a True HEPA filter. This combo captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it great for reducing allergens, dust, and other pollutants. During my review, I noticed a significant drop in dust and pollen, and my hayfever was noticeably more manageable. 

There are three purification settings – Low (1), Medium (2) and High (3) – plus an Auto mode that automatically adjusts the power based on the air quality. In tests, the low setting was pretty slow and poor at clearing particulates from the air, yet the high setting was fantastic, clearing dirty air in minutes. The purifier is not as great at getting rid of smells as other, cheaper purifiers I've used like the Levoit 300S, though, so if you’re cooking or have pets, you might still notice some lingering odors.

One of my favorite things about the MC710S is its smart features and remote controls. You can change the settings on the MC710S using the Dreo app, remote control, or through voice commands with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Setting this up is straightforward, and I loved the convenience of being able to adjust settings without getting up. The app shows near-live air quality data and lets you set schedules, which is a nice touch.

The LED touch display on the fan itself is also intuitive, showing all your selected settings at a glance. The unit also features a color-coded light strip that indicates air quality: blue for Excellent, green for Good, orange for Moderate, and red for Poor. This visual cue is handy for quickly seeing the air quality in your room but I'd like the option to enable alerts that warn me when levels are higher than they should be in case I'm not in the room. 

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose appliance that improves your home's air quality and keeps you cool, the MC710S is definitely worth considering. While it's not the most aesthetically pleasing of appliances and lacks some finesse, its performance, smart features, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. 

Dreo MC710S air purifier tower fan review: price and availability

  • List price: $299.99
  • Available in the US

The MC710S is available in the US from Dreo, Amazon and Walmart.

At first glance, the Dreo MC710S's $300 price looks to be on the expensive side. Especially when no other Dreo tower fans exceed $150, and its standalone purifiers top out at $210, for the Macro Max S . In fact, the MC701S is the most expensive product across Dreo's product range.  

However, this price looks more reasonable when you consider that you effectively get two appliances in one; rival products such as Dyson's $649.99 TP07 Purifier Cool or the $550 LG AeroTower Air Purifying Fan are around twice the price; and the MC710S is full of the latest motor and smart tech. 

The most like-for-like alternatives to the Dreo MC710S are the $299.99 Shark HC450, and the $239.99 Hunter HPF500. The Shark model offers a heater function, but lacks Dreo's dual-motor, while the Hunter fan is cheaper because it has fewer speed settings – 9 versus 12 –  and lacks Dreo's smart features, but offers the same HEPA protection.

While $299.99 is far from cheap, it represents good value for money in terms of features, protection, versatility and tech. The smart controls elevate it above many competitors, and with its multi-function design, you don't have to buy or store multiple products.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5  

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan specs

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan review: design

  • Bulky, industrial design 
  • Digital, color-coded controls

No matter how you look at it, the Dreo MC710S is large, bulky and bordering on ugly with its industrial-looking grey/silver plastic finish. Measuring 46.46 inches x 118cm tall, it's much taller than I was expecting and looks like a tower fan balanced on top of a purifier... which it technically is. The top half of the appliance is where you'll find the controls, LED display and the tower fan portion of the MC710S. Below the tower fan section is a transparent cylinder where the MC710S' dual-motors can be seen spinning, and this cylinder sits on top of the purifier element. 

The touch control icons, and the corresponding remote control buttons, are relatively self-explanatory and (moving anti-clockwise) represent:

  • Timer: This button lets you set a timer. Once the allotted time has passed, the fan will automatically turn off. 
  • Info: This button get you access to the fan's settings.
  • Minus symbol: Used to reduce the fan speed. 
  • Power button
  • Plus symbol: Used to increase fan speed. 
  • Purification mode: This button is used to select what level of purification you need, ranging from Auto up to Level 3. 
  • Oscillation: Used to set the oscillation range of the tower fan, from 0° to 120° 

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

All of your selected settings are then shown on the LED display located at the top of the tower fan, below the touch panel. This display lets you see, at a glance, the room temperature, which purifying and fan modes are enabled, the lifespan of your filter, and the fan speed (when adjusted manually). 

It also features a thin strip of light that changes color based on your room's air quality. A blue light means the air quality is Excellent; green means it's Good; orange warns you when particulate levels are Moderate and higher than they should be; while a red light is an indication that your air quality is Poor.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

The remote control features the same icons found on the touch panel. Alternatively, you can control the MC710S using the Dreo app, or via your voice by connecting the air purifier tower fan to your Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. 

Setup of these smart features is quick and easy. In fact, setup of the appliance generally takes less than five minutes, including getting it out of the box and removing the plastic cover from the filter. The only slightly lengthy task in the whole process is setting up a Dreo account, but even this is painless.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, there is a carry handle on the rear of the appliance to make it easy to move around, but the bulky shape and hefty, 17.8lbs / 8.1kg weight don't lend themselves well to portability so you're unlikely to move the fan after you've got it in place. 

I typically like to move my purifier into different rooms, depending on my needs i.e I put it in the kitchen when I'm cooking steak or fajitas, or I put it in my youngest son's room at night when the pollen count is high. This is nigh-on impossible with the MC710S. To put this weight into perspective, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 which is often seen as one of the bulkiest on the market weighs less, at 12.6lbs / 5.5kg. 

With the MC710S, it's clear Dreo has prioritized function over form. It doesn't win any points for subtlety, nor does it blend seamlessly into the background, but it is incredibly easy to set up and use and the extra height and weight helps maximize its performance.

  • Design score: 3 out of 5

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan review: performance

  • Powerful airflow 
  • Doesn't reduce odors as well as expected
  • Purification speeds vary 

The Dreo MC710S aims to hit the sweet spot between being a powerful fan and an effective air purifier and it almost manages it.

As a fan, the Dreo MC710S works well. It's powered by dual DC motors and pushes air at a speed of up 27 feet per second. This means that if you place it at one end of a large-to-medium-sized room, you’ll feel a breeze all the way across the room, even on the lower speeds. The oscillation feature, which swings up to 120 degrees, then helps make sure the cool air reaches the corners of the room. The fan comes with four modes – Normal, Sleep, Auto and Breeze. 

The Sleep setting lowers the fan speed, and noise. The Breeze setting reduces the power of the air flow, and the Auto setting sees the fan automatically adjusting its speed setting based on the room's ambient temperature. The fan isn't as powerful or effective as an air conditioner, and the oscillation speed is slower than I'd like, but it does a decent job of making a room feel cooler by moving the air around efficiently.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

The downside is that the blast of air is almost icy and this can feel a little uncomfortable if you get the angle, speed or distance slightly wrong. It took a fair amount of tweaking and experimenting to find the optimum settings. Talking of settings, the fan can be on without the purifier, but the purifier can't be on without the fan. As soon as your turn the purifier on, the fan runs gently on 'Breeze' mode and oscillates at a default 30 degrees. You can't disable these features. 

I assume that this helps to improve the effectiveness of the purifier, because I don't know why else this would be the case, but it's not always needed and meant that I had to be particular about where I placed the unit so I wasn't cold while the purifier was running. On Breeze mode, as well as on the lower fan settings the fan is whisper quiet. I barely even realised it was on. The noise does increase considerably on higher settings – as high as 69dB on the top speed, which is around the sound of a car running – and this makes it difficult to have on when you're watching TV or similar. Especially if you're the one sat closest to it.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to air purification, the Dreo MC710S uses a dual filtration system that includes a pre-filter, which traps larger particles like dust and hair, as well as a True HEPA filter. The MC710S promises to captures 99.97% of tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns and this means it can reduce allergens, dust, and other pollutants in the air. My son and I both suffer from hayfever and even on days when there were so-called 'pollen bombs' in my local area, neither of us experienced symptoms to the extent we normally would. This makes it great for people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.

What's more, my kitchen was undergoing a renovation during my review period and the purifier helped remove a noticeable amount of the dust in the air. Even though it wasn't in the kitchen itself, and was in the living room on the other side of the house. It performed less admirably in removing odors, compared to some other air purifiers I've tested such as the Levoit 300S.

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

There are three purification settings – Low (1), Medium (2) and High (3) – plus an Auto mode that automatically adjusts the power based on the air quality. To test these purifying capabilities, I sprayed deodorant directly at the purifier for five seconds and timed how long it took for the air quality to return to normal on the lowest, and highest settings.  

During the first test, on the lowest setting, the particulate level rose to 880ug/m3. It then took an hour and 15 minutes to return the air quality to normal/excellent. By comparison, on the highest setting it took just 15 minutes to go from Poor (960ug/m3) to Excellent. Interestingly, the purifier continues to take air quality readings even when it's not on, and this is useful for identifying trends and tracking air-quality changes based on certain events. 

I just wish that it would alert me when air quality reached dangerous levels so I could turn the purifier on and clear the room. Or even better, it turned on automatically – from being plugged in but switched off – cleared the particulates and turned off again. I found myself regularly asking "Alexa, what is the PM2.5 of Tower Fan" and becoming almost obsessive about it. A little more automation would give me peace of mind. 

Dreo MC710S air purifier and fan

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of voice controls, this soon became my favorite way to control the fan. If I heard a lot of drilling going on downstairs, I could ask Alexa to turn the purifier on and off while upstairs. It let me set timers and adjust the fan remotely, so the room was cool for when my sons got home from school, and I could then track all of these settings on the Dreo app. This convenience goes a long way towards mitigating some of the minor complaints I have about the unit.  

I didn't have the purifier on constantly during the four-week review period. I would use it twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – to clear the room, occasionally turning it on at other times, when we had friends over or when the building work was particularly busy. The filter only dropped to 98% during this time. A replacement filter costs $39.99 and Dreo recommends replacing it at least every six months so you need to factor this cost in. 

Overall, the Dreo Air Purifier Tower Fan MC710S does a decent job as both a fan and a purifier. It has its flaws, and there are features that could elevate it from decent to good, or even great, but it works as you'd expect and does what you need it to do.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5  

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan review: voice control

  • Easy to set up 
  • Adds an extra level of control and personalization
  • Perfect when juggling work or the kids 

One of the standout features of the Dreo MC710S is the ability to control it using voice commands via your smart speaker. I have Amazon Echos in a number of rooms across my house and being able to check on the air quality, and control the purifier and fan no matter where I was in my home, was great. 

Once the purifier is connected to your home Wi-Fi, it can connect to any Amazon Echo or Google Home device on the same network at the press of a button through the Dreo app. This app also gives you voice command prompts to get you started, which can be found via Settings and clicking the voice assistant you've connected it to – either Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.

You can ask Google or Alexa to turn the purifier on and off and adjust the fan speed – either by asking it to select a specific speed, increasing or decreasing the speed, or setting it to maximum/minimum. You can also ask your smart speaker to set the MC710S to a specific mode – Normal, Auto, Sleep, or Breeze.  By connecting to Alexa, you can also access basic controls via the Alexa app – on/off, fan speed, mode, and display options.

Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan review: app

  • Offers a range of control options
  • Color-coded design is intuitive and simple to use
  • Near-live air quality data

The app, as well as using voice commands, is one of my favorite features of the Dreo MC710S. It's intuitive, and everything is well-labelled and clear. An image of the fan sits in the center of the app's home page. If you have multiple Dreo devices you can swipe left and right to access each. Below this image on the left is a clock icon, where you can quickly set the fan to turn on after a set amount of time, plus the on/off button on the right. 

Below the clock icon is the Climate widget that shows the live air-quality levels above the ambient temperature, next to a Schedules widget. In the next row is your current filter life, and the settings menu. 

When the device is on, you can see which mode it's on and whether both the fan and purifier are enabled, or just the fan. Clicking either of these icons takes you to detailed controls page which shows: 

  • Mode
  • Temperature
  • A live air quality reading with corresponding color
  • Purification on/off button
  • Fan on/off button
  • Fan mode controls and speed slider
  • Oscillation controls 
  • Preferences 

Clicking the Climate widget shows you air quality and temperature readings for the past 24 hours, and 30 days. These readings are shown on a color-coded chart – red for Poor, orange for Moderate, green for Good, and blue for Excellent. As the air quality changes, so does this number and the screen's color. 

Despite the fact these charts deal with some complex information and could be confusing, Dreo makes them easy to navigate and read by carrying through its color-coded system and keeping details to a minimum.

There's a delay of around five minutes in this chart being updated following an air quality change, so it's not hugely useful in the moment, but it's interesting and useful to check after the fact. It's also reassuring to see how the levels change over the day and how well the purifier responds.

  • App score: 5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
At $299.99, the Dreo MC710S is pricey compared to other standalone fans and purifiers on the market.

How I tested the Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan

  • I used the Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan and its partner app for 4 weeks
  • Stress testing different substances
  • Experimented with different speeds, modes and settings

I used the Dreo MC710S Air Purifier Tower Fan in the living room of my home for four weeks in peak hayfever season. During which time my kitchen was also being renovated and builders were in the house every day. 

Every morning and evening I used the device to track and manage the air quality, and used the fan on a range of speeds and settings in different scenarios, including when I had friends over. I also experimented with controlling the device using the Dreo app, the physical remote control, and via my Amazon Alexa speaker. 

To test the air purification monitoring and speed, I sprayed a heavy particulate aerosol (deodorant) on the purifier for five seconds while it was in different purification modes and timed how long it took for the air to clear. I also measured the volume with a mobile phone decibel meter. 

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed July 2024

AiDot Welov P200 Pro Smart Air Purifier review: whip-smart features, but it misses a few airborne nasties
1:00 pm | August 26, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: price & availability

  • List price: $159.99
  • Available now, but only in the US

The AiDot Welov P200 Pro Smart Air Purifier is available for $159.99 from the AiDot website and Amazon. While reviewing, there was a flash sale on the AiDot website where the price was reduced to $59.99, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for future sales.

The $159.99 price isn’t bad for an air purifier that comes with Matter 1.2 connectivity and useful in-app features. However, value for money is impacted by the fact that the P200 Pro only reports on PM2.5 – particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter, such as dust or pollen – so the data provided is nowhere near as detailed as some other air purifiers in this price bracket.

At present, AiDot only supplies the Welov P200 Pro within the US, and it's only available via Amazon US.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

AiDot Welov P200 Pro review specs

AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: design

  • Cheap-feeling, flimsy design
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Underlighting

The AiDot Welov P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian – although its dark grey cuboid shape has been jazzed up to a degree by spacing out the ventilation holes into a geometric pattern. It has a square footprint with rounded corners and dimensions of 9.5 x 9.4 x 20 inches. Its dark grey color sees it stand out in the crowd of other air purifiers we’ve tested, which are often white. It's only a shame then, with its decision to opt for a dark color, that AiDot doesn't appear to have used any recycled plastic in the design, since darker plastics are less likely to show any discoloration or impurities that may be present.

Overall build quality feels cheap and flimsy. The unit sounded particularly hollow when handled, and the surrounding panels feel thin and flexed easily. This flimsiness was even more apparent when removing the HEPA filter through the screw-in hatch in the base, which also felt low quality.

The warm white underlighting of the AiDot Welove P200 Pro air purifier.

(Image credit: Future)

The screen on the top of the air purifier uses a mixture of printed-on symbols and LEDs. This is a little different from many of the purifiers I’ve tested, which often rely only on LEDs for the controls. Having permanently visible control symbols is useful, allowing you to find them easily even if the LEDs are off for Sleep mode. Speaking of the touch controls, they’re very responsive and easy to use.

Note that the unit displays a warm white underlight around the base. This could prove useful if the purifier is placed somewhere that it could pose a trip hazard in the dark, for example, but it can be switched off if desired.

Image shows a finger pressing the middle fan setting of the AiDot Welove P200 Pro air purifier which is on a mustard rug in a living room.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Design score: 3 out of 5

AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: features

  • Useful app
  • Limited IAQ data
  • Matter 1.2 connectivity

The AiDot Welov P200 Pro has some useful features for the price, but it’s somewhat limited in areas that we'd expect more when it comes to air purifiers. One of its more nifty features is the Matter 1.2 functionality, enabling it to connect to Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit and others. The Matter QR code for pairing is located on the back panel, and my iPhone 12 Pro had no issues scanning it before subsequently linking it to my Alexa app.

The P200 Pro only detects and reports on PM2.5 – fine particles, such as dust and bacteria – so I was only able to gain part of the story about my indoor air quality (IAQ). There are no readings for microfine particles, such as soot, smoke and some bacteria, nor coarse particles such as pollen, mold and dander. There’s also no measure of the relative humidity, temperature, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or carbon dioxide, figures that many other air purifiers provide.

The top panel and air quality indicator light of the AiDot Welove P200 Pro air purifier on top of a mustard rug in a living room.

(Image credit: Future)

The PM2.5 readings themselves didn’t tell me much, but the air quality level was communicated via the indicator light on the top of the purifier’s front panel, and the color of the line in the graph in the AiDot app. I found that the graph wasn't particularly responsive, failing to show the P200 Pro detecting that the IAQ reduced to moderate levels when I conducted a test with dry shampoo. The PM2.5 levels didn’t align during the dust test, either; however, after a while, the graph indicated a brief spike in airborne particulates, although this only reports a level of 25 PM2.5, when the reading direct on the P200 Pro stated 50 PM2.5.

Aside from the less-than-informative graph, I found the app useful for controlling the P200 Pro remotely. I could easily change the fan speed and enable Sleep mode, turn off the night light or display, and enable the child lock. I could also set a timer so that the unit would automatically turn off after a set amount of time, and create automations so The Welov would turn itself on and off without me needing to do anything.

Screenshots of the AiDot app showing the indoor air quality readings, the settings, and the outdoor environment section for the Welov P200 Proair purifier.

(Image credit: AiDot)

There is an Outdoor Environment section in the app that provides ratings of environmental factors based on your geographical location, rather than monitoring the air via the P200 Pro. Once your mobile device's location has been shared, this section shows the risk of wildfire, the humidity and pollen levels in your area. According to this feature, in Bath, where our head office is based, there's a high level of mold, but low levels of grass, ragweed and tree pollen. Since this feature used my phone's location, I could update this at home, or while out and about. It was interesting to learn which pollen types were the most prolific wherever I was.

  • Features score: 3 out of 5

AiDot Welov P200 Pro review: performance

  • Lowest fan speed is whisper-quiet
  • Purified contaminated air in under 2 minutes
  • Readings on app don’t often align with display

While the lackf of labs means I can't present any scientific data on the impact of the AiDot Welov P200 Pro on air quality, what I can tell you is the results from day-to-day use and the odd curve-balls that I threw its way – such as bombarding it with dust and dry shampoo.

I found that the Welov P200 Pro wasn’t very sensitive to ambient dust levels; the readings remained low in both the TechRadar reviews office and my home, despite dust being visible in both locations. It was more sensitive than the Shark NeverChange purifier, however, which regularly stated that there were zero levels of PM2.5 in the air. In contrast, the P200 Pro detected small levels at all times. These levels never rose above 5 PM2.5, however, and continuously bounced randomly between readings of 1–5 every two seconds, so I can’t vouch for the reliability of this reading.

The picture shows the HEPA filter being removed through the base of the AiDot Welove P200 Pro air purifier.

(Image credit: Future)

I sprayed dry shampoo around the air purifier. This change in IAQ was quickly detected and the reading on the app and the LED screen rose above 350 PM2.5; this caused the indicator light on the purifier to turn red, indicating that the IAQ rating was poor. While the app reading aligned on this occasion, the color reference and classification on the graph didn’t change from "Good", which suggests that the app needs some improvements in order to be considered trustworthy. Since the Welov was in Auto mode, the purifier’s fan sped up to its top speed in response to the presence of dry shampoo, and the reading lowered to 7 PM2.5, within two minutes.

However, our benchmarking air quality monitor was still showing air quality as poor. This was because the P200 Pro can't detect VOCs in the air, only particles of 2.5 microns or larger, meaning that the fan speed reduced as a result of the positive reading, when it ideally should have continued on the higher speed. After manually setting the fan back to max speed, the P200 Pro was able to clear the strong fragrance of the dry shampoo from my bedroom in 10 minutes.

To determine whether the Welov P200 Pro could detect higher levels of dust, I repeatedly kicked up the corner of the rug in our music testing room. This stirred up a fair amount of dust and the purifier detected this increase in about 30 seconds. With the P200 Pro in Auto mode, the fan sped up automatically once the particle levels raised above 50 PM2.5 on the LED screen, and it took the purifier about a minute to bring levels back down to 1 PM2.5.

The AiDot Welove P200 Pro air purifier is pictured on top of a mustard rug in a living room.

(Image credit: Future)

I tried out the Sleep mode feature overnight and found it sufficiently quiet to not impact my ability to fall asleep. Welov advertises that the P200 Pro can be as quiet as 23dB; on measuring noise levels using an app on my iPhone 12 Pro, I saw a reading of 27dB, which wasn’t as quiet as AiDot suggested; but it wasn’t miles off. Although the Welov was quiet enough, the purifier's sound was a little high-pitched, reminding me of the high-pitched noise of crickets you hear in remote-location horrors, when everything goes quiet right before a jump scare. This wasn't a thought I needed popping into my head at 1am.

On awaking, I didn’t notice that the air felt different to any other morning, which is in contrast to my tests of the Shark NeverChange, where the air felt noticeably fresher upon waking. Personally, I feel this could be due to the very low fan speed in Sleep mode, meaning the rate of air being pulled through is fairly low.

I tested the air purifiers sound levels from the lowest to the highest manual fan speeds. The lowest speed gave a reading of 35dB, which is equivalent to a whisper. Meanwhile, the middle speed registered at 62dB, which is similar to the noise of a normal conversation, and the highest fan speed was 71dB, which is close to the sound emitted by a washing machine.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the AiDot Welov P200 Pro?

Buy it if...

Easy to use app
While the app may not provide the most detailed data on air quality, it’s useful for controlling the purifier remotely, enabling you to easily switch between fan modes, enable a child lock, and set up automations.

You want Matter connectivity
Thanks to the QR code on the back of the purifier, it’s really easy to connect the unit to Google Home and the like. There are also options in the device settings in the app to create Siri shortcuts or connect to Alexa.

You want to know about outdoor air quality
Share your location with the AiDot app and it shows a really helpful breakdown of the Outdoor Environment readings, including the humidity, wildfire status and various types of pollen levels.

Don't buy it if...

You want detailed insights into the IAQ
The only data available on the display screen and on the app is the PM2.5 reading, which covers particles such as dust or pollen. There appears to be a lack of communication between the display screen on the purifier and the data in the app, as the graph didn't depict the change in air quality that occurred during testing.

You want high-end design
The P200 Pro looks pretty utilitarian, and even when it comes to build quality, the cheap-looking, thin plastic doesn't make it appealing. However, if the simple design is in a bid to keep the price down, I can't complain.

You want a compact purifier
Standing at just over 20 inches, this air purifier is better suited to being placed on the floor rather than on a table top. Due to the nature of air purifiers, it can't be put in a corner out of the way, so be prepared for it to become part of the furniture.

Welov P200 Pro review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier
Slightly cheaper but with a lot more going for it, we rated the Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier an impressive four and a half stars, and for good reason. We were really pleased with its performance and smart features, and the useful companion app was informative and easy to use.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier
If you want more coverage, but don’t want to sacrifice more space for the privilege, take a look at the Shark NeverChange. It's capable of purifying up to 650sq ft in an hour, and is slightly smaller than the P200 Pro. The downside? It hasn’t got a companion app to keep tabs on your air quality.

How I tested the Welov P200 Pro

  • I used the Welov P200 Pro for one week
  • I tested it in multiple environments
  • I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols

I tested the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled the strong fragrance left over from the latter.

I left it running in my bedroom overnight to determine whether it disturbed my sleep. I tested the sound levels using a sound level meter on my phone and assessed the controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

Shark NeverChange review: a scented, but insensitive, air purifier
10:00 am | August 22, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , , | Comments: Off
Product info

This air purifier has different names and product codes, depending on territory:

US: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152

UK: Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK

For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark NeverChange (or if you're in the UK, the NeverChange5) is an air purifier with a difference, thanks to the washable outer filters, which, in theory, will extend the life of the HEPA filter to five years. As well as this, it has the novelty of scented purifying thanks its Odor Neutralizing Technology, which is in essence a fragranced cartridge that fits into the top of the purifier.

I tested one out to see how it compares the rest of the best air purifiers on the market. It's quiet and easy to use, but while there were noticeable improvements to the air quality, its lack of air quality tracking and inability to detect smaller particles or volatile organic compounds meant that it wasn't efficient in clearing the air or reducing odors when left to its own devices. Read on for my full review of the Shark NeverChange below.

Shark NeverChange review: price & availability

  • List price: $249.99 / £249.99
  • Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia

At $249.99 / £249.99, the Shark NeverChange isn’t a budget air purifier. It’s available for purchase in the US and the UK via the Shark website and Amazon; but it's not currently sold in Australia. It’s sold under two different product names – the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152 in the US, and Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK in the UK.

The Shark NeverChange air purifier doesn’t have a companion app, which is often offered by cheaper alternatives. The potential $300 / £200 saving from longer-lasting filters and the innovative odor-control cartridges could explain the higher price; but unfortunately, these don’t make up for the Shark NeverChange's somewhat lackluster performance overall.

  • Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review specs

Shark NeverChange review: design

  • Anti-Odor technology
  • HEPA filters last up to 5 years
  • No handles

There were several comments made around the office regarding the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier's looks. Some likened it to a futuristic plant pot, others a waste paper bin, and one of my teammates thought it looked more like an explosive device from a sci-fi game. The NeverChange isn’t the most unattractive appliance in the world, but Shark doesn’t appear to have been concerned about the NeverChange blending in. It has a space-age aesthetic about it, with two round LED screens – one on the top, and the other on the front – and an angular shape thanks to the extra filters that live on the sides of the purifier's body.

For this review, I tested the UK version, which is available in white. The US version is available in charcoal gray. The shoulders of the air purifier body are a bit of a dust-magnet, and the gloss-black LED screen on the top panel also attracts dust and fibers, as does the black plastic grate on which it sits.

On a positive note, the setup process was quick and simple. Before powering the air purifier on, the HEPA filter first needed to be removed from its plastic bag. The NeverChange was easy to turn over as it is lightweight, and the locking mechanism felt sturdy but was easy to undo. Once the filter had been replaced, it was just a case of plug-and-play.

The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.

The top panel of a white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel.

(Image credit: Future)

Sitting on the top of the air purifier is the circular control panel, which was responsive and simple to use. From here, I could adjust the fan speed, or engage Auto mode, which is supposed to adjust the fan speed based on real-time air quality. For peace of mind, there's a child lock and a shut-off timer. The status of air purity and the life remaining on the dust filters are available via the information button.

The Anti-Odor dial and cartridge came packaged inside a cardboard box and a ring-pull tin can, which is a good solution for sealing in the fragrance while remaining recyclable. The cartridge and dial housing were easy to unpack and install. To set the intensity of the fragrance, I just needed to twist the dial counterclockwise until it was at the desired setting.

Due to its size and shape, the lack of handles on this air purifier proved frustrating. At first glance, there appear to be some on either side; but these are in fact the DebrisDefence filters. These pull out easily for cleaning, so I wouldn’t recommend using them as handles. There are holes near the base that are also tempting to use to pick the purifier up, but these are only made of thin plastic and aren’t comfortable to hold.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel.

(Image credit: Future)

The LED display's brightness could be altered using a button on the control panel, which I could cycle between three different intensities. The brightest setting was easy to see in both daylight and indoor lighting, but when using the NeverChange at bedtime, I found the dimmest light setting wasn’t ideal. While it worked well to dim the display, the bright blue ring indicating the air quality was over 85% wasn’t good for sleep hygiene purposes. The only other option was to have the LED displays off completely, which I doubt will be an issue for most, but isn’t ideal if you want to keep an eye on air purity readings overnight.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: features

  • Long-lasting filters
  • Dust filter monitor incorrect
  • No app support

The standout feature of the Shark NeverChange is undoubtedly the potential longevity of the HEPA filter. This is achievable thanks to the additional mesh DebrisDefence filters located on either side of the HEPA filter; these are washable, so they’re essentially reusable barriers that take some of the strain off of the HEPA filter. Thanks to this feature, Shark claims it’s possible to save up to $300 / £200 in replacement filter costs over five years.

Another unique feature is the 'Odor Neutralizer Technology'. This one of this brand's USPs, and also appears in today's best Shark vacuums. Technically, it's designed to remove bad odors rather than create a fragrance per se, and it takes the form of a lightly scented puck, which is inserted into the top of the air purifier. The intensity of the fragrance / neutralization can be easily adjusted by twisting the canister using the integrated handle.

The fragrance of the odor-neutralizer canister is pleasant enough; it reminds me of a subtle masculine aftershave. It helps keep things fresh, but I think I'd prefer if Shark embraced the scent side of things a bit more, and offered some different options, such as a linen or floral scent.

The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing one of the DebrisDefence filters being removed.

(Image credit: Future)

The ambient air is monitored by the air purifier’s Clean Sense IQ, which is supposed to automatically react to changes in the environment – an increase or decrease in dust, pollen, and smoke levels, for example. However, it cannot detect or relay humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some air purifiers can. The NeverChange filter does contain activated carbon, though, which by nature is supposed to absorb VOCs, so these should still be filtered out.

The Dust Filter Life button didn’t seem to do much. Having used the Shark NeverChange for only a short time, it would just say “check dust filters” when pressed; but the dust filters were clean. I tried pulling them out and replacing them a couple of times, but it made no difference.

It’s disappointing that there’s no app support with the Shark NeverChange. You have to be physically close enough to the unit to view the reading or change the settings, which can be inconvenient. Plus, this is unhelpful for tracking the air quality throughout the day and night. This lack of app and Bluetooth connectivity is surprising, since cheaper air purifiers such as the Levoit 300S offer near-live air quality data and remote control of the settings.

  • Features score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: performance

  • Unreliable IAQ readings
  • Did not tackle odors
  • Filtered dust and aerosol during testing

It’s hard to say for certain how well an air purifier works without some scientific testing, but I tested the Shark NeverChange in different environments and considered its reactions when presented with dust and dry shampoo.

I’ll start by saying that I had a major niggle with this purifier. That niggle was that the NeverChange seemed to be overly optimistic with its readings. The air-quality readings were 100% most of the time, and when this figure did drop slightly on occasion, the different particle readings still read as 0. I struggle to believe that there are no dust particles in our busy office or in my home – and, since I live in the countryside, there will most certainly be pollen in the air, so I wasn’t impressed by this lack of particle detection.

I performed a direct comparison with the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office. The NeverChange maintained that all particle readings were at 0; however, the Welov P200 Pro gave a reading of 10 PM2.5 – particles such as dust or pollen, which the NeverChange is supposed to detect and respond to.

We wanted to be sure that the purifier was actually capable of detecting contaminants, to ensure that it wasn’t a faulty unit. To do this, we took it outside and placed it directly behind my car's exhaust pipe. I can confirm that it had no problem detecting the drop in air quality here, as one would hope it would! At least now I knew that it wasn’t stuck on 100%, which I’d noticed some consumers claiming in their reviews.

The main issue with the reading sitting at 100% is that when the purifier is in Auto mode, with a reading of 100% for more than five minutes, the Eco feature puts into standby. While I welcome this energy-saving feature, when the purifier seemed convinced the air quality was always 100%, it rarely did anything without manual intervention.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the HEPA filter being removed through the base.

(Image credit: Future)

When we introduced dust into the atmosphere around the Shark NeverChange, by repeatedly kicking up the corner of a rug in one of our testing rooms, it took the unit around 40 seconds to register it. The unit dropped the reading to 92%, leading the fan to increase to speed 2. Since the fan was running at a low speed, volume levels didn’t rise too much; however, it took several minutes for the air quality to return to the 96% it started on. This was slower than the Welov P200 Pro, which – although far noisier – purified the air to pre-dust levels in around a minute.

I also sprayed dry shampoo near the sensor on the back of the NeverChange to test it. This rise in airborne particulate matter was detected within seconds, dropping the air quality on the LED screen to 81% and showing the red indicator ring to communicate that the air quality was poor. The purifier automatically upped the fan speed to level 3, returning a reading of 100% within two minutes.

Experimenting further to see how the NeverChange would deal with cooking smells, I microwaved a BBQ calzone (don’t judge me) with the air purifier set to Auto mode; it made no difference to the level of odor. I then left the purifier on the highest fan setting for a few hours – again, the odor in the room remained unchanged. Apart from the strange overlapping scent of the fragrance canister from the NeverChange, which actually just made the smell more unpleasant.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge being removed.

(Image credit: Future)

I tried leaving the NeverChange on Auto when I went to bed. When the reading occasionally dropped under 100%, the unit would kick up to fan speed level 2, the noise from which made it more difficult to fall asleep. So I manually set it to fan speed 1 instead; this wasn’t the end of the world, as at least this would guarantee that the purifier wouldn’t go into Eco mode overnight. Thankfully, on the lowest fan speed, the NeverChange was pleasingly quiet and din't disturb my sleep. On waking, the air in my bedroom felt fresh, and I noticed that I had been less snuffly than usual, which made a nice change.

Using a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro, I recorded the quietest fan speed at 38dB, which is comparable to light rain. Fan speed 3 was 55dB, a sound level similar to a dishwasher; the highest fan speed was 68dB, the same as the noise of traveling in a car at 60mph.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?

Buy it if...

You don’t want to regularly change filters
The key selling point of the NeverChange is the long life of the HEPA filter, thanks to the DebrisDefence feature. So if you’re the type of person who never quite gets around to ordering a replacement, this would be a good option for you.

You want some subtle fragrance
The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.

You want quiet purification
With the lowest fan speed being no louder than the sound of light rain, the NeverChange shouldn’t disturb your sleep. At top fan speed, it’s only about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want extra parts to clean
While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.

You want to be kept informed
There are cheaper air purifiers on the market that offer app support, so it’s a shame that Shark doesn't do the same –especially considering the NeverChange's high price.

You’re on a budget
If you were hoping for a lower-cost solution, or the NeverChange is missing some of the features you’re looking for, take a look at our list of the best air purifiers for alternatives that may be better suit your needs.

Shark NeverChange review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S
Competitors such as the lower-priced Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier come with a companion app that will inform you of a drop in air quality remotely, allowing you to change the settings or perform other functions even when you’re away from home. It’s worth noting that it only purifies about half the area of the NeverChange unit; but with a four-and-a-half-star rating, it’s a great option.

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact
It’s more expensive, but if you have the money to spend then the four-star-rated Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact could be a satisfying alternative. With control solely via remote control, it offers an impressive 10 fan speeds, and the integrated sensors analyze the air every second using an algorithm. This higher-end aesthetic purifier doubles as a cooling fan and offers up additional info such as ambient temperature and humidity level, too.

How I tested the Shark NeverChange

  • I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
  • I tested it in multiple environments
  • I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols

I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.

I left the NeverChange running in my bedroom overnight to assess its noise levels, using a decibel meter on my phone to gauge levels, and evaluated its controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

Shark NeverChange review: a scented, but insensitive, air purifier
10:00 am |
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: , , | Comments: Off
Product info

This air purifier has different names and product codes, depending on territory:

US: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152

UK: Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK

For this review, I tested the UK version. Please note, there may be minor differences between different countries' models.

The Shark NeverChange (or if you're in the UK, the NeverChange5) is an air purifier with a difference, thanks to the washable outer filters, which, in theory, will extend the life of the HEPA filter to five years. As well as this, it has the novelty of scented purifying thanks its Odor Neutralizing Technology, which is in essence a fragranced cartridge that fits into the top of the purifier.

I tested one out to see how it compares the rest of the best air purifiers on the market. It's quiet and easy to use, but while there were noticeable improvements to the air quality, its lack of air quality tracking and inability to detect smaller particles or volatile organic compounds meant that it wasn't efficient in clearing the air or reducing odors when left to its own devices. Read on for my full review of the Shark NeverChange below.

Shark NeverChange review: price & availability

  • List price: $249.99 / £249.99
  • Available now in the US and UK; not available in Australia

At $249.99 / £249.99, the Shark NeverChange isn’t a budget air purifier. It’s available for purchase in the US and the UK via the Shark website and Amazon; but it's not currently sold in Australia. It’s sold under two different product names – the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier HP152 in the US, and Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK in the UK.

The Shark NeverChange air purifier doesn’t have a companion app, which is often offered by cheaper alternatives. The potential $300 / £200 saving from longer-lasting filters and the innovative odor-control cartridges could explain the higher price; but unfortunately, these don’t make up for the Shark NeverChange's somewhat lackluster performance overall.

  • Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review specs

Shark NeverChange review: design

  • Anti-Odor technology
  • HEPA filters last up to 5 years
  • No handles

There were several comments made around the office regarding the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier's looks. Some likened it to a futuristic plant pot, others a waste paper bin, and one of my teammates thought it looked more like an explosive device from a sci-fi game. The NeverChange isn’t the most unattractive appliance in the world, but Shark doesn’t appear to have been concerned about the NeverChange blending in. It has a space-age aesthetic about it, with two round LED screens – one on the top, and the other on the front – and an angular shape thanks to the extra filters that live on the sides of the purifier's body.

For this review, I tested the UK version, which is available in white. The US version is available in charcoal gray. The shoulders of the air purifier body are a bit of a dust-magnet, and the gloss-black LED screen on the top panel also attracts dust and fibers, as does the black plastic grate on which it sits.

On a positive note, the setup process was quick and simple. Before powering the air purifier on, the HEPA filter first needed to be removed from its plastic bag. The NeverChange was easy to turn over as it is lightweight, and the locking mechanism felt sturdy but was easy to undo. Once the filter had been replaced, it was just a case of plug-and-play.

The size of the Shark NeverChange is neither oversized nor subtle. It’s about the size of a large plant pot, measuring 9 x 10 x 15 inches / 237 x 266 x 385mm, and it weighs around 7lbs / 3.4kg.

The top panel of a white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel.

(Image credit: Future)

Sitting on the top of the air purifier is the circular control panel, which was responsive and simple to use. From here, I could adjust the fan speed, or engage Auto mode, which is supposed to adjust the fan speed based on real-time air quality. For peace of mind, there's a child lock and a shut-off timer. The status of air purity and the life remaining on the dust filters are available via the information button.

The Anti-Odor dial and cartridge came packaged inside a cardboard box and a ring-pull tin can, which is a good solution for sealing in the fragrance while remaining recyclable. The cartridge and dial housing were easy to unpack and install. To set the intensity of the fragrance, I just needed to twist the dial counterclockwise until it was at the desired setting.

Due to its size and shape, the lack of handles on this air purifier proved frustrating. At first glance, there appear to be some on either side; but these are in fact the DebrisDefence filters. These pull out easily for cleaning, so I wouldn’t recommend using them as handles. There are holes near the base that are also tempting to use to pick the purifier up, but these are only made of thin plastic and aren’t comfortable to hold.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge and touch control panel.

(Image credit: Future)

The LED display's brightness could be altered using a button on the control panel, which I could cycle between three different intensities. The brightest setting was easy to see in both daylight and indoor lighting, but when using the NeverChange at bedtime, I found the dimmest light setting wasn’t ideal. While it worked well to dim the display, the bright blue ring indicating the air quality was over 85% wasn’t good for sleep hygiene purposes. The only other option was to have the LED displays off completely, which I doubt will be an issue for most, but isn’t ideal if you want to keep an eye on air purity readings overnight.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: features

  • Long-lasting filters
  • Dust filter monitor incorrect
  • No app support

The standout feature of the Shark NeverChange is undoubtedly the potential longevity of the HEPA filter. This is achievable thanks to the additional mesh DebrisDefence filters located on either side of the HEPA filter; these are washable, so they’re essentially reusable barriers that take some of the strain off of the HEPA filter. Thanks to this feature, Shark claims it’s possible to save up to $300 / £200 in replacement filter costs over five years.

Another unique feature is the 'Odor Neutralizer Technology'. This one of this brand's USPs, and also appears in today's best Shark vacuums. Technically, it's designed to remove bad odors rather than create a fragrance per se, and it takes the form of a lightly scented puck, which is inserted into the top of the air purifier. The intensity of the fragrance / neutralization can be easily adjusted by twisting the canister using the integrated handle.

The fragrance of the odor-neutralizer canister is pleasant enough; it reminds me of a subtle masculine aftershave. It helps keep things fresh, but I think I'd prefer if Shark embraced the scent side of things a bit more, and offered some different options, such as a linen or floral scent.

The Shark NeverChange can purify up to 650sq ft / 60sq m in one hour.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing one of the DebrisDefence filters being removed.

(Image credit: Future)

The ambient air is monitored by the air purifier’s Clean Sense IQ, which is supposed to automatically react to changes in the environment – an increase or decrease in dust, pollen, and smoke levels, for example. However, it cannot detect or relay humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some air purifiers can. The NeverChange filter does contain activated carbon, though, which by nature is supposed to absorb VOCs, so these should still be filtered out.

The Dust Filter Life button didn’t seem to do much. Having used the Shark NeverChange for only a short time, it would just say “check dust filters” when pressed; but the dust filters were clean. I tried pulling them out and replacing them a couple of times, but it made no difference.

It’s disappointing that there’s no app support with the Shark NeverChange. You have to be physically close enough to the unit to view the reading or change the settings, which can be inconvenient. Plus, this is unhelpful for tracking the air quality throughout the day and night. This lack of app and Bluetooth connectivity is surprising, since cheaper air purifiers such as the Levoit 300S offer near-live air quality data and remote control of the settings.

  • Features score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark NeverChange review: performance

  • Unreliable IAQ readings
  • Did not tackle odors
  • Filtered dust and aerosol during testing

It’s hard to say for certain how well an air purifier works without some scientific testing, but I tested the Shark NeverChange in different environments and considered its reactions when presented with dust and dry shampoo.

I’ll start by saying that I had a major niggle with this purifier. That niggle was that the NeverChange seemed to be overly optimistic with its readings. The air-quality readings were 100% most of the time, and when this figure did drop slightly on occasion, the different particle readings still read as 0. I struggle to believe that there are no dust particles in our busy office or in my home – and, since I live in the countryside, there will most certainly be pollen in the air, so I wasn’t impressed by this lack of particle detection.

I performed a direct comparison with the Welov P200 Pro in the TechRadar reviews office. The NeverChange maintained that all particle readings were at 0; however, the Welov P200 Pro gave a reading of 10 PM2.5 – particles such as dust or pollen, which the NeverChange is supposed to detect and respond to.

We wanted to be sure that the purifier was actually capable of detecting contaminants, to ensure that it wasn’t a faulty unit. To do this, we took it outside and placed it directly behind my car's exhaust pipe. I can confirm that it had no problem detecting the drop in air quality here, as one would hope it would! At least now I knew that it wasn’t stuck on 100%, which I’d noticed some consumers claiming in their reviews.

The main issue with the reading sitting at 100% is that when the purifier is in Auto mode, with a reading of 100% for more than five minutes, the Eco feature puts into standby. While I welcome this energy-saving feature, when the purifier seemed convinced the air quality was always 100%, it rarely did anything without manual intervention.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the HEPA filter being removed through the base.

(Image credit: Future)

When we introduced dust into the atmosphere around the Shark NeverChange, by repeatedly kicking up the corner of a rug in one of our testing rooms, it took the unit around 40 seconds to register it. The unit dropped the reading to 92%, leading the fan to increase to speed 2. Since the fan was running at a low speed, volume levels didn’t rise too much; however, it took several minutes for the air quality to return to the 96% it started on. This was slower than the Welov P200 Pro, which – although far noisier – purified the air to pre-dust levels in around a minute.

I also sprayed dry shampoo near the sensor on the back of the NeverChange to test it. This rise in airborne particulate matter was detected within seconds, dropping the air quality on the LED screen to 81% and showing the red indicator ring to communicate that the air quality was poor. The purifier automatically upped the fan speed to level 3, returning a reading of 100% within two minutes.

Experimenting further to see how the NeverChange would deal with cooking smells, I microwaved a BBQ calzone (don’t judge me) with the air purifier set to Auto mode; it made no difference to the level of odor. I then left the purifier on the highest fan setting for a few hours – again, the odor in the room remained unchanged. Apart from the strange overlapping scent of the fragrance canister from the NeverChange, which actually just made the smell more unpleasant.

A white Shark NeverChange air purifier showing the odor-control cartridge being removed.

(Image credit: Future)

I tried leaving the NeverChange on Auto when I went to bed. When the reading occasionally dropped under 100%, the unit would kick up to fan speed level 2, the noise from which made it more difficult to fall asleep. So I manually set it to fan speed 1 instead; this wasn’t the end of the world, as at least this would guarantee that the purifier wouldn’t go into Eco mode overnight. Thankfully, on the lowest fan speed, the NeverChange was pleasingly quiet and din't disturb my sleep. On waking, the air in my bedroom felt fresh, and I noticed that I had been less snuffly than usual, which made a nice change.

Using a decibel meter on my iPhone 12 Pro, I recorded the quietest fan speed at 38dB, which is comparable to light rain. Fan speed 3 was 55dB, a sound level similar to a dishwasher; the highest fan speed was 68dB, the same as the noise of traveling in a car at 60mph.

  • Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Shark NeverChange?

Buy it if...

You don’t want to regularly change filters
The key selling point of the NeverChange is the long life of the HEPA filter, thanks to the DebrisDefence feature. So if you’re the type of person who never quite gets around to ordering a replacement, this would be a good option for you.

You want some subtle fragrance
The NeverChange has an integrated cartridge that can be easily turned to adjust the level of scent that it releases.

You want quiet purification
With the lowest fan speed being no louder than the sound of light rain, the NeverChange shouldn’t disturb your sleep. At top fan speed, it’s only about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want extra parts to clean
While the dust filters help prolong the life of the HEPA filter, for the air purifier to work efficiently, they'll need to be regularly checked and cleaned.

You want to be kept informed
There are cheaper air purifiers on the market that offer app support, so it’s a shame that Shark doesn't do the same –especially considering the NeverChange's high price.

You’re on a budget
If you were hoping for a lower-cost solution, or the NeverChange is missing some of the features you’re looking for, take a look at our list of the best air purifiers for alternatives that may be better suit your needs.

Shark NeverChange review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S
Competitors such as the lower-priced Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier come with a companion app that will inform you of a drop in air quality remotely, allowing you to change the settings or perform other functions even when you’re away from home. It’s worth noting that it only purifies about half the area of the NeverChange unit; but with a four-and-a-half-star rating, it’s a great option.

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact
It’s more expensive, but if you have the money to spend then the four-star-rated Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact could be a satisfying alternative. With control solely via remote control, it offers an impressive 10 fan speeds, and the integrated sensors analyze the air every second using an algorithm. This higher-end aesthetic purifier doubles as a cooling fan and offers up additional info such as ambient temperature and humidity level, too.

How I tested the Shark NeverChange

  • I used the Shark NeverChange for one week
  • I tested it in multiple environments
  • I observed its reaction to dust and aerosols

I tested the Shark NeverChange in the TechRadar reviews office and music testing room, as well as in my bedroom and kitchen at home.

I monitored how effectively it detected and purified airborne contaminants such as dust and dry shampoo, and how well it tackled food odors when using the microwave.

I left the NeverChange running in my bedroom overnight to assess its noise levels, using a decibel meter on my phone to gauge levels, and evaluated its controls and how easy it was to change the filter.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i air purifier review: powerful and easy to use
5:56 pm | April 11, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Comments: Off

Alen BreatheSmart 45i: two-minute review

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is just one of many air purifiers on the market. And, if you’re like me when it comes to tech that doesn’t exactly tickle the dopamine receptors, it’s easy to skip the reviews and simply opt for something from your nearest big box store. However, when it comes to air purifiers, you probably shouldn’t do that.

Not only are you in the market for something that literally cleans the air you breathe, but many of the best air purifiers are either unlikely to be available from that big box store – or, if they are, will go for a price that will make you want to reach for something on a lower, cheaper shelf.

Quality is key when buying an air purifier, then. Having spent a month, if not more, with the Alen BreatheSmart 45i, I’d say that it definitely fits that category of product.

Instead of the space-age design of even pricier models, this model is sleek and discreet. And, unlike more budget options, it’s obviously well designed and made. This is before you consider the fact that you can switch out the front panel for a handful of options to match your decor, and choose from four different filters to best meet your needs.

Alen breatheSmart 45i controls

(Image credit: Future)

There really isn’t much not to like here. In fact, my biggest gripe was that it wasn’t obvious that the BreatheSmart comes with app support. While that might be user error – I should have checked the manual – in my view it should have been clearly stated. Luckily, all the necessary functionality is accessible via the capacitive controls.

Easy to set up and use, the BreatheSmart does an excellent job of quickly identifying drops in air quality; an LED indicator changes color to make you aware of the fact. In addition, the unit is fairly efficient at cleaning the air, although you’d be wise to set your expectations according to the filter you have – the basic one will not eliminate all odors, for example.

Really, the only point of contention most people will have with the Alen BreatheSmart 45i – unless they try to use it in too large a space – is its price. While there are far more expensive options out there, it’s still far from cheap. But, in this humble reviewer’s opinion, it’s worth it.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i review: price & availability

  • How much does it cost? Starting at $429 (about £340 / AU$660) 
  • When is it available? Available now 
  • Where can you get it? Available in the US 

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is not cheap. The price starts at $429 for the most basic configuration, reviewed here.

Consider upgrading the front panel and this will set you back a further $39. And, if you want to switch out the supplied “Pure” filter to the more powerful “Fresh” filter, that will be another $15; the remaining two filters come in at $30 each. So, you could potentially spend $498 (about £400 / AU$760) for an BreatheSmart 45i with an upgraded panel and filter.

Nevertheless, taking its performance into account, I’d say it’s worth the outlay. Although that cost can be a sticking point when the Blue Pure 411 Auto, for example – one of the highest rated air purifiers here at TechRadar – costs only $140/ £179 (about AU$220).

Note that the Alen BreatheSmart 45i is only available in the US.

  • Value score: 4 out of 5

Alen BreatheSmart 45i: specs

Alen BreatheSmart 45i controls turning red

(Image credit: Future)

Alen BreatheSmart 45i review: design

  •  Sleek but basic aesthetic 
  •  All functionality available through on-unit controls 
  •  Multiple filters available for different needs 

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is tall, lean, and only slightly boxy. Its design is more discreet than a model such as the space-age Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09, and while the review model arrived with an all-white exterior, there are five other front panels of various color available to fit your personal aesthetic. Personally, I’m happy with the basic look.

The controls are of the capacitive variety and located on the top of the unit. From here you can turn on the ionizer feature, check and reset filter levels, dim the lights of the controls and the LED indicator (which changes color depending on air quality) that surrounds the power button, set the speed, turn on automatic mode, and lock in current settings so they can’t accidentally be changed.

Basically, you can control every one of the Alen BreatheSmart 45i’s features from this panel. There is an app for both iOS and Android available, which lets you control the Alen BreatheSmart 45i from your couch; but the only added functionality it offers is the ability to track usage and cleaning history.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i assembly

(Image credit: Future)

There are four filters available for the unit. The 'Pure' is the default option – a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter for capturing allergens, dust and mold. 'Fresh' adds in carbon for additionally tackling chemicals and VOCs, cooking odors among other household odors. The 'Odor' filter steps up another gear when it comes to neutralizing odors, while the 'VOC / Smoke' filter comes with extra carbon to absorb noxious gases and secondhand smoke. As such, you should consider your air purifying priorities before you purchase; the 'Pure' filter in the review model does very little to neutralizing smells, for instance.

Alen breatheSmart 45i match stick and controls

(Image credit: Future)

Alen offers a subscription program that, by default, delivers a new filter every nine months – the natural life cycle of a filter. While the filter can’t be reused, it’s covered in a pre-filter that catches larger particles that can be cleaned.

Lastly, even though the BreatheSmart 45i is among the smaller of Alen’s purifiers, it’s still bulky. However, a handle at the back, near the top of the unit makes it easy to move it around your home. Also welcome is the indent in the base around which you can wrap any excess power cord for a cleaner look.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Alen BreatheSmart 45i: performance

  •  Easy to assemble 
  •  App support is somewhat hidden 
  •  Powerful filter with good airflow 

Before I get into the Alen BreatheSmart 45i’s air purifying performance, let’s discuss setup. On arrival, you’ll find the filter wrapped in plastic, while the front panel has a paper band around it like a freshly cleaned toilet in a high-end hotel. To assemble the unit ready for use, simply pull off the front panel, which is magnetically held into place, attach the filter having removed the plastic, and replace the front panel once you’ve removed the paper band.

Alen BreatheSmart assembly

(Image credit: Future)

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is WiFi-enabled, but you wouldn’t know just by looking at the unit. As previously mentioned, although you don’t need the app to use the air purifier, access is useful for remote control. To pair the device, start by downloading the app appropriate for your device. Hold one of the capacitive buttons for five seconds until the Wi-Fi symbol lights up and starts blinking. Then, open the app and follow the instructions to connect.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i app screenshots

(Image credit: Alen)

As far as actually using the Alen BreatheSmart 45i, I tested it using copious amounts of incense, a candle, and in a couple of stale-smelling rooms. While it didn’t completely remove strong scents (you’d need the Odor neutralizer filter for that), it did minimize smells.

More importantly, via the LED indicator, it quickly recognized when the air quality had dipped and went into action, cleaning the air fairly efficiently. As long as you don’t use it in too large a space – it’s rated for rooms up to 800 square feet – it can completely clean the air in a room in as little as 30 minutes.

The BreatheSmart 45i has a CADR, or clean air delivery rating of 245. This metric measures the efficiency of the filter and the amount of air that’s pushed through it. While you can have an air purifier with a powerful filter, if it doesn’t push a lot of air through it, it won’t be able to clean the air in your room very quickly.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i filter

(Image credit: Future)

This air purifier is capable of moving a good amount of air, but in operation, it isn’t the quietest at the higher settings. Our review unit reached 49dB, which is similar to the noise level of the space heater I use. Or, for a more general example, it’s like having soft music constantly playing. It isn’t too intrusive, but it certainly isn’t silent.

Getting back to my real world tests, the BreatheSmart air purifier took about 20 minutes to clear the air of the powerful sandalwood-scented incense once it had stopped burning. With the unit in my home I also discovered that my space heater actually introduces particles into the air every time I use it, with the drop in air quality indicated via the change in color of the LED.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Alen BreatheSmart 45i?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If our Alen BreatheSmart 45i review has you considering other options, here are two air purifiers to consider...   

How I tested the Alen BreatheSmart 45i

To test the Alen BreatheSmart 45i, I used it for a month to see how it would fare in my bedroom as well as a couple other small to medium-sized rooms in my home. I intentionally put it in areas of strong odors to see how it would perform, and delved into the app to see what functionality it offered.

Having used it over this period I can conclude that this is a powerful air purifier, working particularly well in small to medium-sized rooms. However, if odor is a big concern then you’d be wise to upgrade to the appropriate filter.

I’ve spent the past few years reviewing tech gear for the home, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

  • First reviewed February 2024 
Alen BreatheSmart 75i review: a powerful air purifier for large spaces
4:18 pm | April 5, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Alen BreatheSmart 75i: two-minute review

While there are plenty of air purifiers on the market, most of them don't come with the power of the Alen BreatheSmart 75i. This model stands out for being suitable for larger spaces – up to 1,300 square feet. In fact, Alen advertises that, at its highest setting, this model can completely cycle through the air in a room in 30 minutes. For that level of suction alone I think it's a worthy contender for inclusion in TechRadar's best air purifier ranking. 

Power isn't the only thing the Alen BreatheSmart 75i has going for it, though. It's available with three different HEPA filters, and it's easy to use with its capacitive controls, an LED indicator for current air quality, and the ability to track your space's air. For more remote control there's app support, although it's strangely well hidden.

Close up of control panel on Alen BreatheSmart 75i in reviewer's home

(Image credit: Future)

The build quality is high and the design is attractive if understated, falling more on the discreet side of air purifier aesthetics. You can change out the faceplate for different colors, to blend in or match your decor. It's also very easy to set up – you basically pull it out of the box and remove some wrapping it's ready to go. 

This is the bigger sibling of the 45i (which I've also tested – review incoming) and it functions in almost the exact same way. There are just two key differences: it delivers slightly more powerful performance, and it's more expensive. That brings me to this model's two main potential drawbacks. When it's pulling in a lot of air at its highest settings, things can get a bit loud. And it's not cheap – you could probably buy seven smaller air purifiers for the cost of one Alen BreatheSmart 75i. If you don't need to clean a large space, this purifier is overkill; but if you do, and can afford the price tag, it's hard to fault. Read on for my full Alen BreatheSmart 75i review.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier review: price & availability

  • Prices from US $749
  • Different filters and front panels cost extra
  • Available now in US only

With a starting price of $749 (about £590 / AU$1150), the Alen BreatheSmart 75i is far from cheap. (Even the smaller 45i cost from $429.) It's available to buy direct from Alen, but also via Amazon.

If you wish to upgrade the front panel to anything besides white, that's going to cost an extra $39. And going from the basic 'Pure' HEPA filter to the 'Fresh' filter adds $30, while upgrading to the 'Odor' filter adds $40. You could be looking at up to an extra $818 (about £650 / AU$2150) if you want all the upgrades.

It's a bit tough to compare the Alen BreatheSmart 75i to the competition as most models are designed for smaller spaces, and are much cheaper. Costwise at least, it's roughly in line with the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 (retail price: $769.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,149). It's meant for a slightly smaller space – a little over 800 square feet – but it does include both heating and cooling as well as the ability to take care of carcinogenic formaldehyde, something that the 75i doesn't do with its most basic filter. However, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i can automatically change its cleaning level according to the surrounding air quality, something that the Dyson doesn't offer.

The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is only available in the US.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Alen BreatheSmart 75i specs

Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier review: design

  • Discreet but sleek aesthetic
  • Easy capacitive controls for full functionality
  • Has three different filters to choose from

Aesthetically, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i is on the discreet side, eschewing the more space-age look of some other pricey air purifiers. It's basically a large box-shaped appliance with a bit of ergonomics thrown in. Its white and black colorway reminds me a little of EVE from Wall-E, though there are currently five other different-colored front panel options to choose from if the white doesn't fit with your decor. Either way, it looks sharp, but in a non-obtrusive way.

Some cool design features include an indentation around the base of the unit, where you can neatly wrap any excess cabling from the power cord, and a handle on the upper back for easy lifting. Also, those front panels are held on by magnets so it's about as easy as it can get to pull it off to get to the filter, whether you're replacing it or setting up for the first time.

Functionally, all the controls sit atop the unit and are of the capacitive variety. They're responsive and offer basically all of the unit's functionality without having to dig into the app. You can turn on the ionizier, check and reset filter levels, adjust the brightness of the button lights and LED indicator, adjust speed, switch on an automatic mode (where the unit will adjust according to air quality level), and lock in current settings so there are no accidental presses. That last one is a necessary feature, because the buttons are ultra-sensitive.

Image 1 of 2

Alen BreatheSmart 75i in reviewer's home

The central ring indicates air quality. Red means poor... (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2

Lit match next to Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier, with purple hoop showing poor air quality

... and purple means very poor (Image credit: Future)

Sitting in the middle of the control panel is an LED indicator encircling the power button. It changes color depending on the air quality, so you can see at a glance the level of contaminants in the room. While this is a powerful air purifier, I have seen it reach its highest level (purple) before – at which point I decided to open a window to assist.

If you prefer, you can control the Alen BreatheSmart 75i remotely via the app. The only additional functionality available here is that the app tracks usage and logs cleaning history. The fact that you're not locked out of any key features if you're not using the app is actually good, in my opinion – not least because the fact that there even is a companion app was not apparent to me right away.

Close up of vent on Alen BreatheSmart 75i

A handle makes it easy to move about (Image credit: Future)

While the Alen BreatheSmart 75i is bigger than the 45i, it's slightly more limited when it comes to the filters that are available. Instead of having four different filters to choose from, there are three. There's the 'Pure' one, which is the basic H13 HEPA filter and the one included with my review unit, a 'Fresh' one that adds carbon to capture VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and chemicals that the 'Pure' might not capture, and, lastly, there's the 'Odor' filter that adds in an odor neutralizer. Everything beyond the 'Pure' comes at a small upcharge. Also of note, Alen offers a subscription program where it will send you a new filter every nine months (typically the end of a filter's life cycle).

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Alen BreatheSmart 75 air purifier review: performance

  • Setup is straightforward
  • App support is not immediately apparent
  • Powerful performance designed for large rooms

Let's start this section by discussing setup. It's so easy that you won't even need to crack open a manual. All you have to do is remove the purifier from the box, pull the front panel off (this is magnetically held into place, so doesn't require a lot of pressure), pull the tab out at the top of the filter to take it out, remove its plastic casing, put the filter back in, and remove the paper band off the front panel. Plug it in and you're good to go. It takes maybe five minutes to go from in-the-box to in use.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i open to show filter inside

The front panel is attached with magnets (Image credit: Future)

Setting up the app is pretty straightforward as well… at least, once I realized it had app support. There's nothing on the unit to indicate that this air purifier has app support – the Wi-Fi symbol indicator can only be seen once connected to the app. Even the manual doesn't mention it. Pairing the BreatheSmart 75i with the app requires holding down one of the capacitive buttons, which is not labeled as such, to start the process. Once you've done that, however, the setup through the app is straightforward.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i open to show filter inside

The filter is easy to swap in and out (Image credit: Future)

Since this is the performance section of my review, let's talk about the actual performance. The review unit came with the basic 'Pure' filter so there are no odor neutralizers involved here. If that's part of your concern beyond just having clean air, make sure to upgrade to the appropriate filter.

To that point, this air purifier was used in a family member's apartment after they had unwittingly sublet it to a smoker. They ran the Alen BreatheSmart 75i and it got rid of a lot of stale air. However, the smell of cigarettes did linger a little.

Beyond that, I can say that the Alen BreatheSmart 75i does a great job even without the odor neutralizer. The indicator is very reactive and lets me know right away when the air quality has dropped. I prefer using the air purifier on Auto mode, so it will adjust as needed to the air quality.

When run on turbo, the BreatheSmart 75i can pull in a lot of air. It can completely clean the air in up to 1300 square feet in 30 minutes when on turbo, and has a CADR of 347 cfm (cubic feet per minute). That means that it comes quite a bit of airflow with a strong filter to do the job it's meant to.

Beyond refreshing a stale-smelling apartment, I've also used the Alen BreatheSmart 75i with incense, flatulent family members, and cooking, to see it kick into action fairly quickly and work efficiently. While I don't have a real-world way to test the ionizer, which is designed to slow down viruses and bacteria, I do keep it on and appreciate the fact that it is included.

  • Performance score: 4.5 out 5

Should you buy the Alen BreatheSmart 75i?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Alen BreatheSmart 75i review: also consider

If our Alen BreatheSmart 75i review has you considering other options, here are two air purifiers to consider...  

Alen BreatheSmart 45i
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is very similar to the 75i, but is designed for smaller spaces and costs less. It also has one more filter option – VOC/Smoke, which has extra carbon, designed specifically for dealing with noxious gases.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09
This air purifier from Dyson will cost you; but it's powerful, can tackle formaldehyde, heats as well as cools, and comes with quite a few smart features.
Read our full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review

How I tested the Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier

  • Tested for two months
  • Used incense, candles, and stale air to test
  • Tried all the different functions, including the app

To test the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, I used it for a month to see how it would fare in the living room as well as a whole one-bedroom apartment. I intentionally put it in areas of strong odors to see how it would perform, and delved into the app to see what functionality it offered.

Having used it over this period I can conclude that this is a powerful air purifier, working particularly well in larger spaces. That said, you'll need to upgrade the filter if you care about completely killing odors.

I've spent the past few years reviewing tech gear for the home, where I've gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it's worth the recommendation.

  • First reviewed March 2024
Levoit 600S air purifier review: floor-standing air purifier that efficiently extracts whiffs
4:00 pm | October 31, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: | Comments: Off

Levoit 600S: two-minute review

Air purifiers are designed to remove dust, dander and dodgy odours, leaving you with a fresher smelling and healthier home. In the height of summer, or faced with an overly-heated home you soon start to notice the whiff of other people and pets. 

They differ from fans, which waft the air around at speed, creating a cooling effect, instead extracting impurities and particulates that cause smells and cause germs. An electrostatic or fabric filter captures these as they are blown towards them by the air purifier’s gentle fan mechanism and, as with the Levoit 600S model, are collected in a disposable bag at the bottom of the device. Once cleansed, the air is sent back out into the room, leading to a fresher atmosphere. 

The Levoit 600S promises to filter as much as 99.97% of PM2.5 particles (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometre diameter). This covers the fine dust, pollen and pet hair as well as road traffic pollution and pollen. These can all irritate and, in the longer term, damage the lungs and impact respiratory function. Levels of less than 12μg/m3 should pose no health issues, and we were pleased to find that the existing levels in the first of the two properties in which we tested out the air purifier were already below this figure. 

When things get whiffy or lingering sprays have been applied, the Levoit 600S is capable of changing the air in a 147m sq room twice an hour. This is a lower rate of air change than the best air purifiers TechRadar reviewed recently but is plenty for all but larger rooms or the most persistent smells and pollutants. 

Although the 600S can be operated directly using the on/off button on the top, the VeSync app provides far more control, showing current PMS levels and the air quality steadily improving as its four-speed fan whips everything through its HEPA and carbon filters to remove airborne nasties. Both the LED on top of the unit and the app give real-time PMS readings and offer one-touch fan adjustments. The app adds scheduling and light-sensing options, making it ideal for use in a bedroom where the fan will automatically reduce in power so you can drop off to sleep. 

Levoit 600S: price and availability

  • How much does it cost? £299.99 (about $360, AU$574)
  • When is it available? Available now
  • Where can you get it? Available in the UK

The Levoit 600S is available from Amazon UK for £299 (about $360, AU$574). A £50 discount voucher is currently active, bringing the price down to £249). Although you won’t need a replacement filter immediately, if you like to be organised you can get ahead by adding this £69.99 consumable or a pet allergy version for £101 to your online shopping cart.

This model launched last year in the US, but Amazon notes the current unavailability of the Levoit 600S model (although both branded and third party replacement HEPA filters are for sale there), while Australia has only the filters for sale.

  • Value: 4 / 5

Levoit 600S: Specs

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)

Levoit 600S: Design

  • Large but lightweight unit
  • Useful status indicator lights
  • Whisper-quiet fan

The imposing but elegant Levoit 600S seems to take up more room than its stated 60cm height suggests. While its 300S stablemate sits happily and fairly unobtrusively on a kitchen countertop, the 600S model is a real presence. Placed alongside our microwave, it dwarfed it. If space is at a premium, you will probably want to store it out of sight and bring it out for specific use rather than keeping it on standby. We found this particularly true when we were in the more cramped environment of our terraced home. 

However, the curved design and off-white finish are stylish, and the materials sturdy.  And, while it weighs 6.2kg, it feels far lighter. The well-positioned recessed handles on either side of the upper section also make it easy to move around. 

Looks-wise, the Levoit 600S is smart with a sleek curved body and large fan blades covering the top. In the centre of the fan are the Levoit 600S’ controls and options to change the fan speed, set a timer, check on the filter and current air quality, and determine whether it is connected to Wi-Fi or using Bluetooth for the associated VeSync app. The lower half of the purifier features a fretwork effect, and contains the filter and the bag into which particles sucked in by the fan are deposited. 

Image 1 of 2

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)
Image 2 of 2

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)

Setup involves twisting apart the top and bottom halves of the air purifier’s body, extracting the filter that it comes with from inside, and removing its packaging before popping it back in place. There is a bright yellow sticker on the top of the unit that prompts you to do this before use. The two halves of the unit then click to lock together. It doesn’t matter which way round the top half faces, but the corners need to align with the corresponding corners on the bottom half, a simple enough process. 

Although the Levoit 600S is a freestanding unit with no external moving parts, it needs space to operate so it doesn’t overheat. It should, therefore, be placed around 40cm away from the nearest walls. The power cable is more than a metre long, which is ample to accommodate this requirement. 

Once switched on, the Levoit 600S can be used either manually using the controls on top, or via the VeSync app. Each of the on-device controls lights up when you touch them, with multiple presses used to increase or reduce the fan speed.

  • Design: 4.5 / 5

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)

Levoit 600S: Performance

  • Effective dust and dander removal
  • Quickly gets rid of aerosol particulates
  • Less effective on kitchen odours

I tested the Levoit 600S in both an open plan 1960s detached house and a 1930s terraced house, the latter home to two asthmatics and a cat who is less than impressed at the ongoing renovations. The contrasting challenges were larger rooms with carpets, lots of upholstered furniture, and the odours associated with the older generation versus the renovation dust and the pet dander of our London home, which has wooden floors and tiles throughout. 

Both have open plan kitchens where food is often oven-baked or prepared on a hob. I tested the changing air quality while sauteing a variety of vegetables as well as frying fish and meat, and noted whether having the window adjacent to the cooker made much difference to the rate at which the air purifier cleaned the air. 

To set up the Levoit 600S air purifier, I first installed the VeSync app (iOS and Android versions are available). Next, I switched on the device and pressed the on/off switch on top until the Wi-Fi icon flashed blue. It was then recognised by the app and the two paired over Bluetooth. Next, the app searched for my home Wi-Fi network and prompted me for a login and password. 

Although it accepted my previously registered email address, it doesn’t actually want you to provide the password for your VeSync app at this stage and is really after your Wi-Fi password. This tiny misunderstanding took moments to correct. Once connected, you will need to keep the VeSync app open as the firmware is updated. However, the 600S will start operating as soon as it’s connected to Wi-Fi, with its internal fan working at its level 4 maximum rotation speed. 

Once the app has updated the firmware, you will be able to adjust the duration and schedules. You will also be shown the current air quality status based on the level of PM2.5 particulates it detects. What is not quite as apparent is that this screen also gives you the option to change the fan speed. 

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)

Sitting across the room, I found the Levoit 600S giving off a gentle rhythmic hum that was noticeable but unlikely to upset all but the most sound-sensitive family member. It hums along gently, with an unobtrusive decibel rating of less than 40 on the slowest speed setting and no more than 64dB when it kicks into its top speed rating and then settles at around 52dB. The ambient background noise in the room prior to switching on the air purifier was 38dB, so it barely disturbs the tranquillity. 

Even my sound-sensitive mum was untroubled by its operation at the lower fan settings, but pleased with the improved room freshness after 30 minutes of use. Blasting Febreze at the fan itself for a sustained 10 seconds filled the room with choking levels of air freshener, but the purifier removed the lot in 12 minutes at setting 3 (of 4), while our comparison on opening the patio doors and other windows wide had no discernible effect after the same period. 

I also found the Levoit 600S effective in removing dust from the air after a weekend of DIY, taking less than 20 minutes to clear the hallway and landing of visible particles. Sharing a home with a cat, I also appreciated it filtering stray hairs and slight odours. 

However, it impressed me less when it came to removing cooking smells and signs of domesticity: the kitchen levels were modest before I began frying and sautéing, and the purifier was not much better than the overhead fan and an open window for this use. Given the 600S’ larger dimensions, we would no doubt choose its smaller sibling for this room in any case. 

  • Performance: 4 / 5

Levoit 600S: App

  • Provides full control over the 600S
  • Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls
  • Strong scheduling and light sensing features

The VeSync app is well-designed with attractive graphics in calming shades of blue and turquoise. It provides a visual guide when setting up the Levoit device and has a user manual that you can access from its side menu. 

You can control every aspect of the air purifier once installed, with options to adjust the fan speed, schedule days and times for it to operate, change air quality levels that will trigger it automatically switching on and on, and activate a light sensing feature that seems aimed at use in a bedroom. The rationale here is that the gentle hum of the fan helps promote sleep, especially once the air is duly freshened, so you can nod off without the interruptions from an asthmatic or cat-allergy wheeze. 

The VeSync app is free to install and also works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant. This gives access to voice control options should you want to prompt your air purifier to go about its business without having to reach for your smartphone. I tried each of these without issue, finding the option to turn the fan off using a voice command useful when the phone rang while the 600S was clearing the air in the kitchen after cooking and I wanted to settle in for a chat. 

Levoit 600S in use in the author's home

(Image credit: Future / Rosie Hattersley)

Should I buy the Levoit 600S?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the Levoit 600S

  • I used the Levoit Core 600S air purifier and the VueSync app for 10 days
  • Trialed it in two homes: one open plan; one a terraced house
  • Substances purified included pet odour, cooking smells and air freshener

I used the Levoit 600S air purifier in a number of different rooms, finding it particularly efficient at clearing the odours from a downstairs room that doubles as an elderly person’s bedroom. Being able to effectively cleanse this room of telltale odours associated with ageing, as well as Febreze and other masking sprays that disguise them was a good test since we had lots of visitors during the week in which the 600S was installed there. I react badly to perfumes and sprays due to asthma, so quickly clearing these smells was critical to me too. I continuously sprayed the aerosol contents at the purifier fan until the PM levels rose above 150 before switching on the unit to begin clearing the particulates.

With one family member being particularly sound-sensitive, being able to instantly dial down the fan setting such that she was undisturbed by the fan was vital. I also tested the unit while frying food and after making toast, as well as setting the Levoit 600S to automatically purify the landing of my own home during and after stripping paint from the stairs and sanding them down. I used a decibel meter app on my phone to measure how loud the fan was at various settings.

I compared the effects of simply allowing the air to clear naturally by opening windows either side of the room with the performance of the 600S, timing both to see how long it took for the PM level to drop below 12.

To test the air purification monitoring and speed, I sprayed heavy particulate aerosols (dry shampoo and deodorant) while the purifier was in Auto mode. This mode detects changes in the room and sets the fan speed accordingly.  

I lit a scented candle next to the purifier and also positioned it in the kitchen while frying and grilling different meat and vegetables. I measured the volume with a mobile phone decibel meter. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

Next Page »