Two air purifiers of almost identical room coverage, the Coway AP-1512HH and the Blueair 311i Max, are very often compared and frequently end up together in people’s carts.
Today, I will take an in-depth look at both and make your decision of choosing the better one much easier.
The Coway AP-1512HH has a CADR of 233 CFM (396 m³/h), covering rooms of up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²). The Blueair 311i Max, on the other hand, has a CADR of 250 CFM (425 m³/h) and covers rooms of up to 387 sq. ft. (36 m²).
The Blueair comes with slightly more advanced smart features, though both devices include an air quality sensor and auto mode.
Our Verdict
After thorough analysis and comparison of test results, I would say that the Coway AP-1512HH is still a somewhat better choice.
Although it has a slightly lower CADR than the Blueair, it delivered identical results on performance tests, is better optimized for noise, and features an ionizer that can be turned off, which is not the case with the Blueair.
However, if you do decide to go with the Blueair, you won’t go wrong, as it is also an excellent and efficient air purifier.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment in the section below the article.
Specs: Coway AP-1512HH Vs Blueair 311i Max
| Product Image |  27% off |  17% off |
| Manufacturer | Coway | Blueair |
| Model | AP-1512HH | 311i Max |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) | 19 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches (48 x 32 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) | 7.8 lb (3.56 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 233 CFM (396 m³/h) | 250 CFM (425 m³/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. | 361 sq. ft. (33 m²) | 387 sq. ft. (36 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, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | 6-9 months |
| 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. | 77W | 30W |
| 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 | 3 – 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 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 | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | IonizerTimer | Washable Pre-filter |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 63.5 dBA | 40.2 – 59.5 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 | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Dust | Living Rooms Offices Low Energy Cost Large Spaces Dust Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 3-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Coway AP-1512HH | Blueair 311i Max |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
As for performance, the most important metric here is the CADR, which is almost identical for both air purifiers.
For this reason, we tested them in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and measured their airborne particle removal performance using a Temtop laser particle meter. Interestingly, both air purifiers improved air quality by 96%.
As for odor neutralization and smoke removal, neither device showed outstanding performance, but both handled light odors well.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Coway AP-1512HH and Blueair 311i Max in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Both use a fibrous filter coated with carbon, which is why they couldn’t match the performance of top-notch pellet-based carbon filters.
Overall, the Coway and Blueair performed almost identically.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I noticed when comparing noise levels is that the Coway has three fan speeds, while the Blueair has four.
Both air purifiers also feature an auto mode.
However, I noticed that the Blueair produces a strange, buzzy noise at maximum speed. Even though it measured lower on our noise tests, I would say the Coway is better optimized at maximum speed.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway AP-1512HH and Blueair 311i Max air purifiers.
The Blueair 311i Max produces 59.5 dBA at maximum speed, while the Coway AP-1512HH produces 63.5 dBA.
At the lowest speeds, the Coway AP-1512HH produces 41.4 dBA, while the Blueair 311i Max produces 40.2 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 311i Max (dBA) | Coway AP-1512HH (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.5 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 48.9 dBA | 44.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 59.5 dBA | 63.5 dBA |
Overall, even though the Blueair 311i Max showed better results on our measuring tool, the buzzing sound at maximum speed is what makes the Coway AP-1512HH the better optimized device when it comes to noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to operating costs and power consumption, the Blueair has done a much better job here.
The Blueair 311i Max uses a 30W motor, while the Coway AP-1512HH uses a 77W motor. What’s interesting is that both devices have nearly identical CADR, yet the Blueair features a far more efficient motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway AP-1512HH and Blueair 311i Max air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $6.05 for the Coway, and by approximately $2.42 for the Blueair.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 311i Max (W + $/month) | Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.4W ($0.04) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.3W ($0.29) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.8W ($0.42) | 3.6W ($0.31) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 12.7W ($1.11) | 8.1W ($0.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 27.6W ($2.42) | 69.1W ($6.05) |
On top of that, replacement filters for both devices need to be changed roughly once a year, although Blueair recommends somewhat more frequent replacements for the 311i Max. The price of replacement filters is roughly similar for both, so power consumption is what proved decisive in this test.
For this reason, the Blueair 311i Max is the significantly more affordable option to maintain on an annual basis.
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