In today’s article, I will compare the Blueair 411 and the Membrane Solutions MSA3 air purifiers.
The Blueair 411 is a minimalistic air purifier with no additional features but includes a washable pre-filter and very low energy consumption. It’s intended for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²), uses a three-stage filtration technology with HEPASilent, consumes just 10W, and has shown extraordinary results in performance tests.
On the other hand, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 offers some basic features such as a timer, display off, display lock, and more. It is suitable for rooms up to 175 sq. ft. (16.3 m²), uses a three-stage filtration technology, and includes a True HEPA filter, which the Blueair 411 lacks.
I like Blueair’s simplicity, build quality, and design principles. In my opinion, it’s much more modern than the MSA3, and its build quality is superior.
Both air purifiers come with a 2-year warranty. But which one is the better overall option? Which performed better in tests? And which is my absolute buying recommendation?
Our Verdict
I must say that these are exceptional air purifiers performance-wise. Although the Blueair achieved better results in the tests, the MSA3 also performed impressively well.
After analyzing all the specifications, characteristics, and test results, I pick the Blueair 411 as the winner and the better buying option.
It has provided better results in performance tests, is much cheaper to maintain, has better build quality, and is much easier to use.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please use the comment box below the article.
Specs: MembraneSolutions MSA3 Vs Blueair 411
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Membrane Solutions | Blueair |
| Model | MSA3 | Blue Pure 411 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 7.7 x 13.1 x 21.5 inches (19.5 x 33.4 x 54.5 cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 10.8 lb (4.9 kg) | 3.35 lb (1.52 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 112 CFM (190 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. | 175 sq. ft. (16.3 m²) | 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (80 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-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Carbon Filter | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 3-6 months | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 80 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 44W | 10W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (80 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 43.1 – 54.3 dBA | 40.6 – 67.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (80 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 Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Membrane Solutions MSA3 | Blueair Blue Pure 411 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
The Membrane Solutions MSA3 and Blueair 411 have almost the same CADR: 112 CFM (190 m³/h) for the MSA3 and 105 CFM (180 m³/h) for the Blueair.
According to their coverage specifications, we tested them both in two rooms of the same size. In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Blueair 411 improved the air quality by about 95%, while the Membrane Solutions MSA3 improved the air quality by 92%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Membrane Solutions MSA3 and Blueair 411 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the second test, performed in a much larger room than the recommended dimensions, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 improved the air quality by 89%, while the Blueair 411 improved the air quality by 90%.
Both air purifiers operated at their maximum speeds throughout the tests, which lasted for 60 minutes.
Despite having a smaller CADR, the Blueair achieved better results in the particle removal tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The smoke removal test is another test in which the Blueair 411 showed better performance.
It managed to remove all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds, while the Membrane Solutions MSA3 removed all the smoke in 30 seconds.
The difference of 10 seconds may not seem significant, but believe me, it’s quite noticeable in everyday use. The Blueair 411 won this test as well.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What I like the most is when two devices I’m comparing have an identical number of fan speeds. This way, I can easily compare their noise levels.
These two air purifiers have three fan speeds; neither has a sleep mode, but they are relatively quiet at the lowest speeds.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Membrane Solutions MSA3 and Blueair 411 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Blueair 411 produces a noise level of 40.6 dBA, while the Membrane Solutions MSA3 produces a noise level of 43.1 dBA. Even small, the difference of 2.5 dBA is very noticeable, especially if you plan to use your device in a bedroom.
However, at the maximum speed, the situation is the opposite. The Membrane Solutions MSA3 is much quieter, producing a sound level of 54.3 dBA, while the Blueair 411 produces a sound level of 67.5 dBA, which is very loud, to be honest.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 411 (dBA) | Membrane Solutions MSA3 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.6 dBA | 43.1 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.5 dBA | 47.4 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 67.5 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
Overall, the Blueair 411 is quieter at the lowest speed and is a perfect match for bedrooms; however, at higher speeds, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 is much quieter, which is why I consider it better optimized for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The Blueair 411 is one of the smallest power consumers among all the air purifiers we tested. It uses a motor of just 10W, making it really challenging to beat in this regard.
On the other hand, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 uses a motor of 44W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Membrane Solutions MSA3 and Blueair 411 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
The Blueair uses just 7.6W at the maximum speed, meaning it would cost you about $0.67 if run at maximum speed, 24 hours daily, for one month.
In the same scenario, the Membrane Solutions MSA3 would cost you $3.44, which is more than five times the cost of the Blueair.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 411 (W + $/month) | Membrane Solutions MSA3 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.2W ($0.02) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 0.6W ($0.05) | 27W ($2.37) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.4W ($0.21) | 30.6W ($2.68) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.6W ($0.67) | 39.2W ($3.44) |
Apart from the power usage costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which is also in favor of the Blueair 411, making it overall much more affordable to maintain.
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