The Coway Airmega 100 and Shark NeverChange HP152 are two compact but powerful air purifiers and are among the best in their class.
They cover similarly sized rooms, lack smart features, and both performed well in our tests.
With a CADR of 109 CFM (185 m³/h), the Coway Airmega 100 is suitable for rooms up to 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²).
In comparison, the Shark NeverChange HP152 has a CADR of 97 CFM (165 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 150 sq. ft. (14 m²).
The Shark features longer-lasting filters, while the Coway is equipped with a True HEPA filter. Keep reading to find out which one offers the better value.
Our Verdict
Although the Shark NeverChange’s long-lasting filter may be appealing, its extremely high price makes the Coway Airmega 100 the winner in this comparison.
Overall, both performed similarly in our tests, with the Coway showing slightly better performance and faster results in the smoke test.
If you have any questions about these Coway or Shark air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comments section.
Specs: Coway Airmega 100 Vs Shark NeverChange
| Product Image |  40% off |  32% off |
| Manufacturer | Coway | Shark |
| Model | Airmega 100 | NeverChange HP152 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 15.6 inches (22 x 22 x 39.5 cm) | 10.5 x 9.3 x 14.9 inches (26.7 x 23.6 x 37.8 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) | 7.25 lb (3.28 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 109 CFM (185 mÂł/h) | 97 CFM (165 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. | 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²) | 150 sq. ft. (14 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (101 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 | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Deodorization Filter | Pre-filter, Pet Particle Filter, Activated Carbon, and NanoSeal HEPA |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 5 years |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 101 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 25W | 26W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (101 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 | 5 - Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, and Speed 5 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Night LightDisplay LockTimer | Odor NeutralizationTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.3 – 60.9 dBA | 40.4 – 62.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (101 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 Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Long Filter Life |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Coway Airmega 100 | Shark NeverChange HP152 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
Given that these two air purifiers have nearly identical CADRs and cover similar room sizes, we tested them in two rooms of the same dimensions.
In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Shark NeverChange improved air quality by 92% in 60 minutes while running at maximum speed. In comparison, the Coway Airmega 100 achieved a 93% improvement under the same conditions.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Coway Airmega 100 and Shark NeverChange HP152 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The results were nearly the same in a larger, 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. The Shark NeverChange improved air quality by 90%, while the Coway Airmega 100 improved it by 91%.
Additionally, both models delivered almost identical results in our odor-neutralization tests.
Based on these results, I would say the Coway Airmega 100 is slightly more efficient than the Shark NeverChange.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We ran a smoke test on both devices by placing them in a sealed glass box filled with smoke.
The Shark NeverChange cleared all the smoke in 37 seconds, while the Coway Airmega 100 did it in just 21 seconds.
This significant difference is likely due to the Shark NeverChange using a much denser filter than the Coway.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The Shark NeverChange has five fan speeds, while the Coway Airmega 100 has four. However, both air purifiers include an auto mode feature.
We measured noise levels at each speed using a special noise meter that measures sound on the dBA scale.
At the lowest speed, the Shark NeverChange produces 40.4 dBA, while the Coway Airmega 100 produces 40.3 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway Airmega 100 and Shark NeverChange HP152 air purifiers.
At maximum speed, the Shark NeverChange was slightly louder at 62.4 dBA, compared to 60.9 dBA for the Coway.
At other speeds, the Shark NeverChange was slightly quieter. However, the Coway Airmega 100’s motor produces a more pleasant and less intrusive sound, which makes a difference in real-world use.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (dBA) | Coway Airmega 100 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 40.3 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.4 dBA | 41.9 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 41.3 dBA | 50.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.9 dBA | 60.9 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 56.7 dBA | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 62.4 dBA | - |
In my opinion, the Coway Airmega 100 features a slightly better-optimized motor when it comes to noise performance.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When evaluating operating costs, I typically consider power consumption at all speeds and the cost of replacement filters.
In this case, the Coway Airmega 100 is equipped with a 25W motor, while the Shark NeverChange HP152 uses a slightly more powerful 26W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway Airmega 100 and Shark NeverChange HP152 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you run these air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $2.24 for the Shark NeverChange and $1.95 for the Coway Airmega 100.
In addition to electricity costs, filter replacement is another factor. The Shark NeverChange has an advantage here, as it uses a filter with an advertised lifespan of up to five years—making its ongoing maintenance costs appear lower.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (W + $/month) | Coway Airmega 100 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 2.7W ($0.24) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.6W ($0.4) | 5.2W ($0.46) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 5.7W ($0.5) | 9.2W ($0.81) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 10.6W ($0.93) | 22.3W ($1.95) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 16.1W ($1.41) | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 25.5W ($2.24) | - |
However, I’m skeptical that the filter will actually last that long in real-world conditions. It’s likely you’ll need to replace it sooner, which makes the Coway Airmega 100 potentially the more affordable option for long-term maintenance.
Leave a Reply