Many air purifier brands have appeared on the market in recent years. One such brand is Membrane Solutions, and I had the opportunity to test one of their models, the MSA3 air purifier.
In this article, I will compare the Membrane Solutions MSA3 and GermGuardian AC4825 air purifiers. These two air purifiers cover almost identical room sizes. They have achieved approximately identical results on all tests and are also extremely competitive.
The Membrane Solutions MSA3 covers rooms up to 175 sq. ft. (16.3 m²), while the GermGuardian AC4825 covers rooms up to 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²).
Neither of these has advanced features to highlight, so we can classify them as minimalistic air purifiers.
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses 3-stage filtration technology. I like that it has a UV-C light as one of the filtration stages. The Membrane Solutions MSA3 also uses 3-stage filtration technology but without UV-C light. What I like is that both devices use a True HEPA filter.
Our Verdict
After a detailed comparison of their specifications, test results, and other characteristics, I decided that the GermGuardian AC4825 is a slightly better buying option.
There are many reasons for this, but I would highlight slightly better performance, a more reliable brand, and better build quality as the most important factors.
However, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 is also a very good air purifier and not a much worse option than the GermGuardian. So if you decide on this model, you won’t go wrong at all.
If you have any questions about the Membrane Solutions or GermGuardian air purifiers, leave a comment in the comment box at the end of the article.
Specs: GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Membrane Solutions MSA3
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Guardian Technologies | Membrane Solutions |
| Model | AC4825(E) | MSA3 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9 x 5.5 x 22 inches (22.9 x 14 x 55.9 cm) | 7.7 x 13.1 x 21.5 inches (19.5 x 33.4 x 54.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 8.5 lb (3.86 kg) | 10.8 lb (4.9 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 99 CFM (168 m³/h) | 112 CFM (190 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) | 175 sq. ft. (16.3 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (83 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 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/Charcoal Filter Combo, True HEPA Filter, and UV-C Light | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 6 months (HEPA) | 3-6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 83 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 44W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (83 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 83 air purifiers tested, only 41 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 42 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | UV-C Light | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 46.7 – 54.2 dBA | 43.1 – 54.3 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (83 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 | Small Spaces Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Guardian Technologies AC4825(E) | Membrane Solutions MSA3 |
| Price |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
Both air purifiers cover small rooms; the GermGuardian AC4825 covers rooms up to 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²), while the Membrane Solutions MSA3 covers rooms up to 175 sq. ft. (16.3 m²). This coverage is similar to the popular Levoit Core 300S.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the GermGuardian AC4825 and Membrane Solutions MSA3 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Based on their room coverage, we tested them in two different rooms. In the first test, in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), they both managed to improve the air quality by about 92% in just 60 minutes while operating at max speed.
In the second test, this time in a much larger room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), they also achieved outstanding results, but the GermGuardian AC4825 was slightly better, improving the air quality by about 90%, while the Membrane Solutions improved it by 89%. Both ran at max speed for 60 minutes.
Another point regarding their performance is that the GermGuardian is much better at capturing and killing airborne mold particles, primarily because it has a UV-C light as part of its filtration stage.
We could easily declare this comparison a draw, but I would still give a very slight advantage to the GermGuardian.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We placed these two air purifiers in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke, and measured how much time they needed to remove all the smoke from the box.
The GermGuardian AC4825 needed 38 seconds to remove all the smoke, while the Membrane Solutions MSA3 was a bit faster, needing only 30 seconds.
Considering the CADR and filtration technology of these two air purifiers, I must say that I’m delighted with the results.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to mention when speaking about noise levels is that these two air purifiers use only three fan speeds.
Neither of them has a sleep mode, and both are a bit louder at the lowest speed than I expected, which is why I wouldn’t recommend these two devices for bedrooms.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the GermGuardian AC4825 and Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the GermGuardian produces a sound of 46.7 dBA, while the Membrane Solutions produces a sound of 43.1 dBA. Although the MSA3 is a bit quieter, they are both still quite loud at their lowest speed.
However, at the maximum speed, the situation is different. The GermGuardian produces a sound of just 54.2 dBA, while the Membrane Solutions is only slightly louder at 54.3 dBA.
| Fan Speed | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (dBA) | Membrane Solutions MSA3 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.7 dBA | 43.1 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 50.5 dBA | 47.4 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 54.2 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
In my opinion, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 is better optimized for noise and is generally a quieter device than the GermGuardian AC4825.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The GermGuardian AC4825 is one of the oldest air purifiers on the market, and it uses a somewhat stronger motor. However, Membrane Solutions is a newer brand, and I expected it to use a better-optimized motor.
The GermGuardian AC4825 uses a 55W motor, while Membrane Solutions uses a slightly weaker 44W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the GermGuardian AC4825 and Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.42 in the case of the GermGuardian and about $3.44 in the case the Membrane Solutions MSA3.
In addition to the cost of electricity consumption, there’s also the cost of replacement filters. The Membrane Solutions requires filter replacements an average of 2-4 times a year, while GermGuardian filters need to be replaced about twice a year.
| Fan Speed | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (W + $/month) | Membrane Solutions MSA3 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0.2W ($0.02) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 30.8W ($2.7) | 27W ($2.37) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 34.8W ($3.05) | 30.6W ($2.68) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 39W ($3.42) | 39.2W ($3.44) |
What’s interesting is that the Membrane Solutions replacement filter is quite a bit more expensive, which, combined with the more frequent replacements, makes this air purifier somewhat more expensive to maintain than the GermGuardian AC4825.
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