This time, I will compare two high-performing and often-compared air purifiers: the Blueair 511i Max and the Coway Airmega 100.
Both are simple devices that feature some advanced functions, high-quality filtration technology, and impressive results in our tests.
Each uses a three-stage filtration technology, but the Blueair 511i Max includes a built-in ionizer as a fourth stage.
Keep reading to find out which one comes out on top in this comparison.
Our Verdict
The Blueair 511i Max and Coway Airmega 100 are truly two outstanding devices.
Both achieved excellent results in our airborne particle removal tests and performed well in smoke removal tests. However, the Coway Airmega 100 is slightly quieter, doesn’t produce ozone, and uses a longer-lasting filter.
Frankly, I could easily call this battle a draw. However, I chose the Coway Airmega 100 as a slightly better option — and the one I would personally prefer to buy.
This is mainly because it doesn’t produce ozone, and because the Blueair makes a strange noise at maximum speed.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave them in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Blueair 511i Max Vs Coway Airmega 100
| Product Image |  20% off |  39% off |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | Coway |
| Model | 511i Max | Airmega 100 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.6 x 10.6 x 18.9 inches (26.9 x 26.9 x 48 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 15.6 inches (22 x 22 x 39.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 152 CFM (258 mÂł/h) | 109 CFM (185 mÂł/h) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 236 sq. ft. (22 m²) | 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (97 products) 9.9 - Best Score (1 products) 1 - Worst Score (1 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Deodorization Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 9 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 97 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 20W | 25W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.8 - Average Score (97 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 49 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 50 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 28 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 27 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Washable Pre-filter | Night LightDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.1 – 61.6 dBA | 40.3 – 60.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (97 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 7.6 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms |
| Warranty | 3-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair 511i Max | Coway Airmega 100 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
The fact that these two devices have similar CADR and room coverage allowed us to test their performance in two identical room sizes, making the comparison of results much easier.
The Blueair 511i Max covers rooms at up to 152 CFM (258 mÂł/h), while the Coway Airmega 100 covers rooms at up to 109 CFM (185 mÂł/h).
In the first test, we placed both air purifiers in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and used a Temtop laser particle meter to measure how much they could improve air quality in just 60 minutes at maximum speed.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Blueair 511i Max and Coway Airmega 100 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The Blueair 511i Max improved air quality by 92%, while the Coway Airmega 100 achieved a 93% improvement.
In the second test, performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, the Blueair improved air quality by 90%, while the Coway improved it by 91%.
The results are clear: even though the Coway Airmega 100 has a smaller CADR, it still managed to outperform the Blueair in both tests.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What I like when comparing noise levels is when two air purifiers have the same number of fan speeds, which is the case here, as both have four.
However, the Blueair 511i Max includes an additional auto mode, which adjusts the fan speed automatically based on current air quality. The Coway lacks an air quality sensor, so it doesn’t have this feature.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Blueair 511i Max and Coway Airmega 100 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Blueair 511i Max produces 40.1 dBA, while the Coway Airmega 100 is slightly louder at 40.3 dBA.
At maximum speed, the situation reverses: the Blueair is slightly louder, producing 61.6 dBA, compared to the Coway’s 60.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (dBA) | Coway Airmega 100 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.1 dBA | 40.3 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.3 dBA | 41.9 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.1 dBA | 50.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 61.6 dBA | 60.9 dBA |
I also noticed that the Blueair makes a strange noise at maximum speed, as if a piece of plastic is loose and repeatedly tapping against another part. This can be a bit irritating over time.
For all these reasons, I would say the Coway Airmega 100 is better optimized for noise performance.
Operating Costs – Comparison
It’s truly hard to beat the efficiency of Blueair air purifiers, as this brand produces some of the best power-optimized devices on the market.
The Blueair 511i Max uses a 20W motor, while the Coway Airmega 100 uses a 25W motor.
So, while the Blueair has a lower-powered motor, it still delivers a higher CADR than the Coway.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Blueair 511i Max and Coway Airmega 100 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you ran these two air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $1.95 for the Coway Airmega 100 and about $1.56 for the Blueair 511i Max.
In addition to power costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which, for both devices, is relatively low.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (W + $/month) | Coway Airmega 100 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.6W ($0.05) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | 1.9W ($0.17) | 2.7W ($0.24) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 2.5W ($0.22) | 5.2W ($0.46) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 4.7W ($0.41) | 9.2W ($0.81) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 17.8W ($1.56) | 22.3W ($1.95) |
Taking all costs into account, I would say the Blueair 511i Max is slightly better optimized for annual maintenance.
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