The GermGuardian AC4825 and Blueair Blue Pure 411 are huge competitors and are frequently compared by customers.
Both devices feature a minimalist design and lack advanced features. However, this hasn’t stopped the AC4825 from becoming one of Guardian Technology’s best-selling models. Meanwhile,
Blueair is well-known for its innovative design and unique washable pre-filter.
The GermGuardian AC4825 is intended for rooms up to 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²), whereas the Blue Pure 411 is suitable for spaces up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²).
We’ve analyzed their specifications, performance, odor-neutralization capabilities, noise levels, and power consumption to determine which one offers the better value for the money.
Our Verdict
The GermGuardian AC4825 and Blueair 411 are nearly identical in terms of specifications, particularly when comparing their CADR values.
After analyzing the specifications, reviewing the test results, and performing detailed tests on both air purifiers, I chose the Blueair 411 as the better buying option.
It’s more affordable to maintain, performs better at capturing airborne particles, achieves superior results in our smoke test, and features a washable pre-filter.
The only drawback of the Blueair 411, compared to the GermGuardian, is that it doesn’t use a True HEPA filter, whereas the GermGuardian does.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to ask them in the comment section below the article.
Specs: GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Blueair 411
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Guardian Technologies | Blueair |
| Model | AC4825(E) | Blue Pure 411 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9 x 5.5 x 22 inches (22.9 x 14 x 55.9 cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 8.5 lb (3.86 kg) | 3.35 lb (1.52 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 99 CFM (168 m³/h) | 105 CFM (180 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. | 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²) | 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (75 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 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/Charcoal Filter Combo, True HEPA Filter, and UV-C Light | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 6 months (HEPA) | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 75 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 10W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (75 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 – Low, Medium, and High | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 75 air purifiers tested, only 36 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 75 air purifiers tested, only 37 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 75 air purifiers tested, only 23 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 75 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | UV-C Light | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 46.7 – 54.2 dBA | 40.6 – 67.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (75 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - 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 | Small Spaces Mold | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Guardian Technologies AC4825(E) | Blueair Blue Pure 411 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
I love comparing air purifiers with the same or similar CADRs, and these two models are just like that.
The GermGuardian AC4825 has a CADR of 99 CFM (168 m³/h), while the Blueair 411 boasts a slightly higher CADR of 105 CFM (180 m³/h).
To test their efficiency in removing airborne particles, we placed them in two rooms of identical sizes according to their recommended coverage.
In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, both air purifiers delivered outstanding results. The GermGuardian improved air quality by 92%, while the Blueair 411 achieved a 95% improvement. Both devices operated at maximum speed for 60 minutes.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Blueair 411 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the second test, performed in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, which is well beyond the recommended size for both air purifiers, they also produced impressive results. Both models improved air quality by 90%.
It’s important to note that we didn’t use the GermGuardian’s UV-C light feature during these tests. While this feature might have marginally improved its performance, I believe the difference wouldn’t have been significant enough to change the test results.
Overall, we can conclude that the Blueair 411 performed slightly better in these tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Although their CADR ratings are nearly identical, their performance in the smoke test was different.
In addition to similar CADR ratings, both models use fibrous filters coated with carbon.
The GermGuardian AC4825 took 38 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, whereas the Blueair 411 accomplished the same task in an impressive 20 seconds.
I believe there’s little room for debate in this case—it’s clear that the Blueair 411 delivered a superior result.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What I don’t like about these two air purifiers is the lack of a sleep mode.
I particularly miss this feature on the GermGuardian model because its noise level at the lowest speed is much higher than the Blueair’s.
The GermGuardian produces a sound level of 46.7 dBA, whereas the Blueair 411 operates at a quieter 40.6 dBA at its lowest speed. At this speed, the Blueair 411 is quieter than some similar air purifiers in sleep mode.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Blueair 411 air purifiers.
However, the situation changes at maximum speed. The GermGuardian AC4825 produces a sound of 54.2 dBA, while the Blueair 411 is much louder; it produces a sound of 67.5 dBA.
Although the GermGuardian is noisier at its lowest speed, it is far better optimized for noise at maximum speed while maintaining an almost identical CADR to the Blueair 411.
| Fan Speed | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (dBA) | Blueair 411 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.7 dBA | 40.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 50.5 dBA | 54.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 54.2 dBA | 67.5 dBA |
For this reason, I would say the GermGuardian offers better noise optimization overall.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses a 55W motor, but it’s worth noting that the UV-C light alone consumes about 5W.
In contrast, the Blueair 411 is equipped with a highly optimized 10W motor. Honestly, I was amazed by the performance this air purifier delivers, given its low-power motor.
If you run both air purifiers at maximum speed for 24 hours a day over a month, the GermGuardian AC4825 would increase your electricity bill by approximately $3.42, while the Blueair 411 would add only about $0.67.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Blueair 411 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Beyond the significant difference in power consumption, there’s also a notable disparity in filter replacement costs. The Blueair 411 stands out as the better option here as well, mostly because it has a much cheaper replacement filter.
| Fan Speed | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (W + $/month) | Blueair 411 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 30.8W ($2.7) | 0.6W ($0.05) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 34.8W ($3.05) | 2.4W ($0.21) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 39W ($3.42) | 7.6W ($0.67) |
Over a year, considering both power use and filter replacement costs, the GermGuardian AC4825 will cost you significantly more than the Blueair 411.
Features Overview
Both devices have some identical functions. Both of them have a filter reset indicator, which will let you know when the filter needs replacement. As well both of these lovely air purifiers use three speeds.
Controls
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses a hand-operated mechanical wheel to control fan speed. Below the mechanical wheel is the UV button used to turn the UV-C light on or off and reset the “filter reset indicator.”
The Blue Pure 411 uses a single button for complete device control. This button is used to control the fan speed and to reset the “filter reset indicator.”
Device control is equal on both devices. The difference is that the AC4825 uses a mechanical wheel, and the Blue Pure 411 uses a single button. GermGuardian can also be used via a smart plug.
UV-C Light
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses a 5W UV-C light bulb. This light helps against germs. The downside of this light is the location. It is located on the upper side of the device, so the air is not kept long enough in front of the UV-C light, and the full potential is not applied. It would be better if the UV-C is placed someplace in the center of the device.
Personalized Pre-Filters
The Blue Pure 411 offers the ability to personalize pre-filters. It is possible to pick one of the suggested colors: Dark Shadow, Diva Blue, Buff Yellow, Crystal Pink, or Lunar Rock.
Airflow
The GermGuardian AC4825 and Blue Pure 411 are tower air purifiers. However, the airflow of the device is different.
With the GermGuardian AC4825, air enters from the rear, after which it is filtered through a pre-filter, carbon filter, and True HEPA filter. Part of the air comes in contact with the UV-C bulb. The filtered air exits through the grilles on the front of the device.
With the Blue Pure 411, the air inlet is located on the unit’s bottom, occupying two-thirds of the device. Air enters from all sides. The opening is 360 degrees wide. The air is filtered through a pre-filter, then through a True HEPA filter, and finally through a carbon filter. After that, air comes out on the upper side of the device.
Filtration Technology
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses 4-in-1 filtration, with the primary filter being a True HEPA filter. The first stage of filtration is pre-filter. The second stage is the charcoal filter. The third stage is the True HEPA filter. The final stage of filtration is UV-C Bulb.
The Blue Pure 411 uses a HEPA filter, not a True HEPA. Blue Pure 411 uses 3-in-1 filtration. The first stage of filtration is a pre-filter, the second stage is the HEPA filter, and the third stage is a carbon filter. The Blueair 411 filter is bigger than the filter at GermGuardian. Both devices use a fibrous filter covered with carbon.
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses an additional filtration stage, UV-C light. UV-C light destroys germs and mold spores. Both devices have a filter reset indicator that will notify the user when it is time to replace the filter.
How to Replace Filters?
With both devices, the filter replacement is needed on average between every 6-8 months. With the GermGuardian AC4825, the light bulb change is required on average every 12 months.
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