The Shark NeverChange has made a big splash in the air purifier market by introducing long-lasting filters.
But how accurate is that claim, and can the Shark NeverChange truly compete with similar air purifiers?
In this article, I’ll compare the Shark NeverChange and the Winix A231 to determine which device offers better value—and help you decide which one to choose.
At first glance, the Winix A231 may seem smaller, but it actually offers a higher CADR than the Shark NeverChange, making it the more powerful device.
Our Verdict
Honestly, this wasn’t an easy comparison, especially since we’re looking at two top-tier air purifiers.
However, after thoroughly analyzing the specifications and features of both models, I believe the Winix A231 is the better choice.
Here’s why: it has a higher CADR, uses a True HEPA filter, includes an extra stage of filtration, and delivered better results in our performance tests.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Specs: Shark NeverChange Vs Winix A231
| Product Image |  20% off |  25% off |
| Manufacturer | Shark | Winix |
| Model | NeverChange HP152 | A231 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.5 x 9.3 x 14.9 inches (26.7 x 23.6 x 37.8 cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.25 lb (3.28 kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 97 CFM (165 m³/h) | 147 CFM (250 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. | 150 sq. ft. (14 m²) | 230 sq. ft. (21 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-filter, Pet Particle Filter, Activated Carbon, and NanoSeal HEPA | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 5 years | up to 12 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. | 26W | 55W |
| 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 | 5 - Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, and Speed 5 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, and High |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 41 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 42 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Odor NeutralizationTimer | Sleep ModePlasmaWave |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.4 – 62.4 dBA | 40.2 – 66.5 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 | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Long Filter Life | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Shark NeverChange HP152 | Winix A231 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
As I mentioned earlier, the Winix A231 is slightly smaller in terms of dimensions but offers a much higher CADR and is capable of covering larger rooms.
It has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), making it suitable for rooms up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²). In comparison, the Shark NeverChange has a CADR of 97 CFM (165 m³/h), which makes it best suited for rooms up to 150 sq. ft. (14 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Shark NeverChange and Winix A231 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Based on these recommended room sizes, we tested both devices in two rooms of different dimensions.
In the first test, conducted in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Shark NeverChange improved air quality by 92%, while the Winix A231 achieved a 95% improvement. Both air purifiers operated at their maximum speed for 60 minutes.
In the second test, in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, the Winix A231 improved air quality by 92%, while the Shark NeverChange reached 90%.
Both air purifiers demonstrated solid performance in our airborne particle removal tests, but the Winix A231 proved to be slightly better and more efficient overall.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
We tested the noise levels of these two air purifiers at all speeds using a professional noise measurement tool.
Before diving into the results, it’s worth noting that the Shark NeverChange has five fan speeds, while the Winix A231 has four.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Shark NeverChange and Winix A231 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Shark NeverChange produces 40.4 dBA, while the Winix A231 comes in at 40.2 dBA.
At maximum speed, the situation shifts slightly: the Shark NeverChange produces 62.4 dBA, whereas the Winix A231 reaches 66.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (dBA) | Winix A231 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 40.2 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.4 dBA | 48.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 41.3 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.9 dBA | 66.5 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 56.7 dBA | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 62.4 dBA | - |
At other speed levels, the Winix A231 is generally a bit louder—refer to the chart for the complete data.
In summary, the Shark NeverChange is better optimized for noise than the Winix A231.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Not only is the Shark better optimized for noise, but it also uses a more efficient motor. However, it’s important to note that the Shark has a much lower CADR than the Winix.
The Shark NeverChange uses a 26W motor, while the Winix A231 is equipped with a 55W motor.
This means that if you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.24 for the Shark and about $3.56 for the Winix A231.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Shark NeverChange and Winix A231 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In addition to electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters. According to the manufacturers, the Winix A231’s filter should be replaced once a year, while the Shark NeverChange’s filter is designed to last five years.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (W + $/month) | Winix A231 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 9.9W ($0.87) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.6W ($0.4) | 29.2W ($2.56) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 5.7W ($0.5) | 31.3W ($2.74) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 10.6W ($0.93) | 40.6W ($3.56) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 16.1W ($1.41) | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 25.5W ($2.24) | - |
It’s worth noting that it’s still uncertain whether the Shark’s filter will actually last that long—I discussed this further in the standalone review—but even so, the Shark NeverChange is significantly more affordable to maintain annually compared to the Winix A231.
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