Blueair 411 Vs Coway AP-1512HH – Hands-on Comparison

The latest comparison features two very different air purifiers: the Blueair 411 and the Coway AP-1512HH. While this matchup might seem a bit unfair, I decided to write this article due to the many questions I’ve received about comparing these two Blueair and Coway models.

The Coway AP-1512HH is designed for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²), whereas the Blueair 411 is suitable for spaces up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²).

Aside from room coverage, the biggest differences between these two devices lie in their features.

The Coway comes equipped with several advanced options, including an air quality sensor, ECO mode, and auto mode. In contrast, the Blueair 411 is a minimalist air purifier with no advanced features.

Blueair stands out for its washable pre-filter, simplicity, and ease of use, while the Coway is known for its high-quality filters and outstanding reliability.

In this article, I’ll dive into a detailed comparison of both devices, present the results from various tests, and break down their specifications side by side.

Specs: Blueair 411 Vs Coway AP-1512HH

Performance Test – Comparison

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Blueair 411 is intended for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²), while the Coway AP-1512HH covers much larger spaces, up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²).

To evaluate their room coverage capabilities, I tested both air purifiers in various room sizes to see which performed best in their intended spaces.

However, I believe the most interesting results came from testing them in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.

After running at maximum speed for 60 minutes, the Coway AP-1512HH improved air quality by 96%, while the Blueair 411 achieved a 90% improvement.

Although both devices delivered solid results in our particle removal tests, I have to note that neither excels at neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Overall, the Coway AP-1512HH proved to be much more efficient than the Blueair 411.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

Although the Coway AP-1512HH is a much larger and more powerful air purifier than the Blueair 411, it didn’t deliver drastically better results in this test.

The Blueair 411 took 20 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Coway AP-1512HH did it in 18 seconds.

Neither of these two devices uses a pellet-based carbon filter, so I’d say both delivered surprisingly good results in the smoke test.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

When it comes to noise levels, the fact that both of these air purifiers have three fan speeds makes this test much easier.

At the lowest speed, both devices are relatively quiet, making them ideal for spaces like bedrooms.

The Coway AP-1512HH produces 41.4 dBA at its lowest speed, while the Blueair 411 comes in slightly quieter at 40.6 dBA.

However, things start to change as the fan speeds increase. The Coway gets faster and louder—but not excessively so. On the other hand, the Blueair becomes far too loud for my taste. And once both devices hit their third (highest) speed, they turn into noticeably loud machines. The Coway reaches up to 63.5 dBA, while the Blueair peaks at a much louder 67.5 dBA.

I can tolerate the Coway’s increase in noise because it offers various modes that help adapt it to home use. The Blueair, however, really needs to address this issue.

I understand that maximum speed means maximum airflow, but if noise were the deciding factor, I’d definitely pick the Coway over the Blueair.

Operating Costs – Comparison

When analyzing operating costs, I always consider both electricity consumption and the price of replacement filters.

In this case, the Blueair uses a motor that’s nearly eight times less powerful, which results in a CADR that’s more than twice as low. The Blueair 411 has a 10W motor, while the Coway AP-1512HH is equipped with a 77W motor.

When comparing electricity usage at maximum speed, it’s easy to see the difference: the Blueair 411 would cost approximately $0.67 per month, while the Coway AP-1512HH would cost around $6.05. This is in case both devices run 24 hours a day for an entire month at full power.

In addition to electricity costs, filter replacement costs are also high. Coway’s filters tend to last a bit longer, but they are also somewhat more expensive.

All things considered, when you add up the annual costs, it’s clear that the Blueair 411 is significantly more affordable to maintain than the Coway AP-1512HH.

Features Overview

Air Quality Sensor and Air Quality Indicator

The Blueair 411 is missing this feature, but Coway doesn’t quite the opposite. The Air quality sensor that Coway AP-1512HH has is super sensitive in a way that it can be adjusted to three levels: sensitive, standard and insensitive. Along with the Air quality indicator, located next to the filter reset indicator, the air quality sensor will monitor the real-time situation and update the user of it. Depending on the air quality, the Indicator will be colored blue, orange, or red. 

A tip for you: the air quality sensor can be cleaned manually. Just remove the sensor cover and clean it gently with a q tip. 

More on how to adjust the air quality sensor, you can find in Coway AP-1512HH stand-alone review.

Auto Mode

Somehow we all like that Auto setting on each device we own. It’s one of those features that keep things working even when we are too tired or busy to work by ourselves. The Auto mode feature is only available at Coway AP-1512HH because it relies on data collected by the Air quality sensor. Based on that data, the Auto mode sets the appropriate speed level. 

ECO Mode

Like the Auto mode, the ECO mode is only available within Coway AP-1512HH. The ECO mode is a kind of advanced Auto mode that saves you electricity, money, filters… You see, the ECO mode also runs automatically by constantly collecting data from the air quality sensor. If the collected data are satisfying for the last 30 minutes, the air purifier will remain in standby mode. But, if, for some reason, the air gets contaminated, the ECO mode wakes up the air purifier and keeps it operating until the air is clear again. Great, isn’t it? 

Timer 

One of the ways you can control your air purifier is to set the operating time interval. The Coway AP1512-HH air purifier comes with a built-in Timer, which means you can choose between 1h, 4h, or 8h time intervals. Once the time runs out, the air purifier stops working.

Unlike Coway, Blueair doesn’t come with this option by default. However, Blueair411 is smart-plug compatible, which means you can use it almost like a Timer. You can set the time interval in which the appliance will be turned ON or OFF. Use it, and use it wisely. 

Ionizer

This feature is considered Coway’s fourth stage of filtration and one of the most competitive advantages. If you want it to work, you’ll have to turn it ON by yourself. Once you do that, the whole ionization process begins, which results in trapping all the pollutants and allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, or cigarette smoke. Collecting all of these is just a piece of cake for Coway AP1512-HH. 

If you want to know more about the ionizing procedure, you can check out the Coway AP1512-HH separate review.

Too bad that Blueair 411 doesn’t have this feature built-in. 

Filter Reset Indicator

One of the greatest advantages that a filter reset indicator offers is worry-less air purifier maintenance. All you have to do is wait for the red light, and replace the filter. Keep this in mind, filter wornness depends on how often you use the air purifier.

While Coway AP-1512HH needs an annual filter replacement, Blueair 411 will need you to do it more often. Mainly between 6-8 months. Anyway, if you notice your air purifier is not like it used to be, it just may be missing a cleaning or a filter replacement. 

Airflow

Like many other cylindrical-shaped air purifiers, the Blueair 411 also has air inlets spread all over the unit’s body. That way, you get a 360-degree suction, after which the air gets filtered and spread throughout the holes on the upper part of the appliance. 

At the same time, Coway has its vents positioned frontally, on both sides, and at the bottom. The air runs through filters and the Ionizer if it’s ON. Later on, the air is released upwards, through the vents. 

Warranty

The Blueair company will have you covered with a one-year warranty if you decide to buy the Blueair 411 model. However, it will also encourage you to register on their website, if you wish to have an extra year of warranty. 

On the other hand, Coway gives a generous 3-year manufacturer warranty coverage. Can’t do any harm to have that extra year of protection. 

Filtration Technology

Both Blueair 411 and Coway AP-1512HH have a 3-stage filtration, with an optional fourth stage that Coway can use to upgrade its functionality. 

You might say that Coway has that standard 3-in-1 filter: pre-filter, carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. I say might because as you can see the True HEPA filter comes as the third in a row. Nevertheless, their functions are what make this air purifier your possibly next best friend. 

Pre-filter is there to collect nasty particles like dust, animal fur, or hair. The good thing is it is washable so feel free to clean it every 2-4 weeks if you want your Coway air purifier to work smoothly. The carbon filter that comes in the second stage is not pellet-based as you’d probably expect, but a fibrous filter covered with carbon. Its main purpose is to clean the room from harmful gases, and all sorts of odors, pleasant and less pleasant, but also VOCs. The True HEPA filter is an awesome filter that captures 99.97% of airborne allergens, including pollen, mold spores, pet dander, microbes, etc.

What Blueair 411 shares with Coway are a washable pre-filter. Still, this pre-filter is pretty unique. As you can see in the picture, the pre-filter is a fabric that you can put on an air purifier and take it off when you need to clean it. You can dust it or wash it. Suit yourself. Fun fact: you can find this fabric pre-filter available in various colors. 

As for the second and third filtration stages, they come as 2-in-1 filters. Those are Particle and Carbon filters. The particle filter is good, but, to be as good as True HEPA, it needs to be certified and collect more than just 99% of airborne particles. The Carbon filter is also fibrous and not a pellet-based filter. Still, it is good enough to reduce the unpleasant odors from your working or home space.

How to replace filters on both devices?

If an air purifier has a filter reset indicator, you should know you are one step ahead. This indicator will save you time and energy, by keeping track and informing you when it’s time to do the replacement. 

There is only one slight difference between Coway AP-1512HH and Blueair 411. The Coway has two separate indicators, one for the True HEPA filter and one for the Carbon filter. The first indicator should be replaced once a year, but the other usually wears out after 6 months. 

The Blueair has only one indicator which will light up in about 6-8 months. 

Still, if you notice that filters are too dirty to be waiting for the expiry date, you should replace them sooner.

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