Just a few years ago, TCL entered the air purifier market with some interesting models. In this article, I will compare their breeva A2 and breeva A3 models.
Both use a traditional three-stage filter, with an ionizer included in both models and a UV-C light exclusive to the breeva A3. I really like that you can turn off the ionizers on both devices and that these air purifiers don’t force you to use it. Thus, it’s all up to your preferences.
In addition to the plenty of features available directly through the control panel, the breeva A2 and breeva A3 offer the ability to connect with the TCL Home app.
Each unit has its pros and cons, but only one earns better buying recommendations. Keep reading to find out which one performed better, offers superior filtration technology, is more cost-effective for maintenance, and is overall better.
Our Verdict
The TCL breeva A2 and A3 share many similar features, have similar design principles, and offer the same build quality.
The smaller unit, the breeva A2, covers rooms of up to 182 sq. ft. (17 m²), while its larger counterpart, the breeva A3, covers rooms of up to 246 sq. ft. (23 m²). They both perform well in their recommended room sizes.
However, I would give a slight advantage to the breeva A3 due to its superior performance in odor neutralization. Additionally, it uses a much larger filter, which is another advantage.
The TCL breeva A2 is also an excellent option, especially if you are looking for an air purifier and humidifier combination or a slightly more affordable air purifier than the A3 in terms of maintenance. It’s also a bit quieter than the A3.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to ask in the comment box below the article.
Specs: TCL breeva A2 Vs breeva A3
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | TCL | TCL |
| Model | breeva A2 | breeva A3 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.3 x 8.1 x 13.7 inches (26.2 x 20.8 x 34.8 cm) | 9.8 x 9.8 x 18.9 inches (25 x 25 x 48 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | - | 8.38 lb (3.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | - | 159 CFM (270 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. | 182 sq. ft. (17 m²) | 246 sq. ft. (23 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, HEPA H13 Medical Grade, Activated Carbon Filter and Ionizer | Pre-filter, HEPA H13 Medical Grade, Activated Carbon Filter and breevaShield Technology |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 3-6 months | 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. | 26W | 38W (24W European Model) |
| 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 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Sleep Mode, 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. | 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. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | HumidifierDisplay LockTimer | Ambient LightbreevaShieldDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.7 – 65.4 dBA | 41.8 – 65.8 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 Low Energy Cost Small Spaces | Bedrooms Dust Allergies |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | TCL breeva A2 | TCL breeva A3 |
| Price |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
Even though these two air purifiers look almost identical, they are totally different, and I’m not just talking about the features. They also have different CADRs, meaning they don’t have the same room coverage.
The breeva A2 covers rooms of up to 182 sq. ft. (17 m²), while the breeva A3 covers rooms of up to 246 sq. ft. (23 m²). Both air purifiers will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in the recommended room sizes.
Accordingly, I tested these two devices in rooms that are almost identical in size to their recommended dimensions.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the TCL breeva A2 and TCL breeva A3 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), which is almost identical to the recommended room size for the breeva A2, it improved the air quality by about 95% in just 60 minutes.
On the other hand, we tested the breeva A3 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. It improved the air quality in this room by about 94% in just 60 minutes.
I want to point out that they both worked at maximum speed all the time. Overall, both air purifiers performed outstandingly, and we can easily declare this battle a draw.
However, the TCL breeva A3 performed slightly better in neutralizing bad odors, which I believe is due to its much larger filter. This is why I would give a slight advantage to the breeva A3.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
In the smoke box test, we fill a glass box with smoke and then measure the time it takes for an air purifier to remove all the smoke.
Both the breeva A2 and A3 performed well in these tests, but the breeva A3 was slightly faster. It removed all the smoke from the smoke box in just 21 seconds, while the breeva A2 needed 27 seconds, which is 6 seconds slower.
These are fantastic results and are among the top-performing air purifiers we have tested.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both the TCL breeva A2 and breeva A3 are equipped with four fan speeds and have a sleep mode.
What’s interesting about this test is that they produce almost identical noise at all speeds, except for the second and third ones, where the breeva A3 is slightly louder.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the TCL breeva A2 and TCL breeva A3 air purifiers.
In sleep mode, they both produce a sound of around 41.7 dBA, while at max speed, the breeva A2 produces a sound of 65.4 dBA, and the breeva A3 produces a sound of 65.8 dBA.
In general, they are both too loud at max speeds, and I can certainly say that they are among the loudest air purifiers we have tested.
| Fan Speed | TCL breeva A2 (dBA) | TCL breeva A3 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 41.7 dBA | 41.8 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.5 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 60.1 dBA | 60.7 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 65.4 dBA | 65.8 dBA |
However, we can conclude that the breeva A2 is slightly quieter than the breeva A3 overall.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Regarding power use, I want to mention that the TCL breeva A3 uses a more powerful motor of 38W, which is 12W higher than the breeva A2’s motor power of 24W.
As a result, it uses more power at all speeds, meaning it will cost you more in terms of electricity.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the TCL breeva A2 and TCL breeva A3 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
For example, if you run these two air purifiers at their max speeds, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electric bill would increase by about $2.05 for the breeva A2 and by about $2.52 for the breeva A3, which is more than a 20% higher cost.
| Fan Speed | TCL breeva A2 (W + $/month) | TCL breeva A3 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.1W ($0.1) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Sleep Mode | 2.2W ($0.19) | 2.4W ($0.21) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 5.1W ($0.45) | 5.8W ($0.51) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 14.5W ($1.27) | 17.7W ($1.55) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 23.4W ($2.05) | 28.8W ($2.52) |
Apart from this cost, there is also the cost of a replacement filter, which is slightly more expensive for the breeva A3, making it overall a bit more expensive to maintain annually than the breeva A2.
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