Today, I’m comparing two small air purifiers. On one side, we have the Shark NeverChange, which offers plenty of advanced features, uses long-lasting filters, and includes dual washable pre-filter.
On the other side, there’s the Blueair 511i Max—a minimalistic air purifier that includes plenty of smart features. It’s also the first Blueair model I’ve tested that works with the smart app.
It’s worth noting that the Blueair is slightly larger and offers higher CADR and room coverage.
Both performed well in our tests—but only one came out on top. Read on to find out which one!
Our Verdict
Overall, the Shark NeverChange and Blueair 511i Max are two excellent air purifiers.
Each has its pros and cons, but in my opinion, the Blueair 511i Max is the better choice.
It offers a higher CADR, a more efficient motor, a clearer replacement filter policy, and a more modern design.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Shark NeverChange Vs Blueair 511i Max
| Product Image |  20% off |  20% off |
| Manufacturer | Shark | Blueair |
| Model | NeverChange HP152 | 511i Max |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.5 x 9.3 x 14.9 inches (26.7 x 23.6 x 37.8 cm) | 10.6 x 10.6 x 18.9 inches (26.9 x 26.9 x 48 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.25 lb (3.28 kg) | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 97 CFM (165 mÂł/h) | 152 CFM (258 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. | 150 sq. ft. (14 m²) | 236 sq. ft. (22 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (97 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, Pet Particle Filter, Activated Carbon, and NanoSeal HEPA | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 5 years | up to 9 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 97 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 26W | 20W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.8 - Average Score (97 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 | 5 - Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, and Speed 5 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 49 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 50 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 28 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 97 air purifiers tested, only 27 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Odor NeutralizationTimer | Washable Pre-filter |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.4 – 62.4 dBA | 40.1 – 61.6 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (97 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 Allergies Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Long Filter Life | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Shark NeverChange HP152 | Blueair 511i Max |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
We tested the performance of these two air purifiers using a Temtop laser particle counter.
The Shark NeverChange has a CADR of 97 CFM (165 mÂł/h), while the Blueair 511i Max boasts a higher CADR of 152 CFM (258 mÂł/h).
In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, both the Blueair 511i Max and the Shark NeverChange improved air quality by 92%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Blueair 511i Max in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The results were nearly identical in a second test performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, where both devices improved air quality by 90%.
Based on these tests, we can say that both air purifiers delivered identical results in airborne particle removal.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to compare when it comes to noise is the number of fan speeds these two air purifiers offer.
The Shark has five fan speeds, while the Blueair 511i Max has four. Both models also include an auto mode as an additional operating option.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Blueair 511i Max air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Shark NeverChange HP152 produces 40.4 dBA of noise, while the Blueair 511i Max produces 40.1 dBA.
At maximum speed, the difference is also minimal—the Shark produces 62.4 dBA, and the Blueair produces 61.6 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (dBA) | Shark NeverChange HP152 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.1 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.3 dBA | 40.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.1 dBA | 41.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 61.6 dBA | 50.9 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 56.7 dBA |
| Speed 5 (Max) | - | 62.4 dBA |
However, I found the Blueair’s noise to be slightly more pleasant overall, suggesting that it has a better-optimized motor for quieter operation compared to the Shark.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The Blueair 511i Max is one of the most energy-efficient air purifiers in its class.
It uses a low-power 20W motor. The Shark NeverChange is also well-optimized, with a slightly more powerful 26W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Blueair 511i Max air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you ran both air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity cost would be about $2.24 for the Shark NeverChange and around $1.56 for the Blueair 511i Max.
There’s also the cost of replacement filters to consider. While the Blueair’s filters need to be replaced more frequently, the Shark’s filter may require replacement sooner than the manufacturer suggests.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (W + $/month) | Shark NeverChange HP152 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.6W ($0.05) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | 1.9W ($0.17) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 2.5W ($0.22) | 4.6W ($0.4) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 4.7W ($0.41) | 5.7W ($0.5) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 17.8W ($1.56) | 10.6W ($0.93) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 5 (Max) | - | 25.5W ($2.24) |
Taking everything into account, I would say the Blueair 511i Max is the more affordable option in terms of long-term maintenance.
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