Today, I’m comparing two small air purifiers from well-known brands: the Winix A231 and the Blueair Mini Max.
What immediately caught my attention is that these two models are in the same price range, yet the Winix offers significantly better specifications.
For instance, the Winix A231 has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 mÂł/h), whereas the Blueair Mini Max has a CADR of just 60 CFM (102 mÂł/h), a compromise many might find hard to justify, especially given the nearly identical price.
That said, both models come with their own pros and cons. In this article, I’ll compare them in detail and share which one, in my opinion, is the better choice overall.
Our Verdict
In summary, these are two very interesting air purifiers in the same price range but with completely different specifications.
In my opinion, the Winix A231 is a much better choice. It offers more advanced features, uses a higher-quality filter, includes an air quality sensor, has an auto mode, and performed better in the smoke test.
If you have any questions about these two models, feel free to leave a comment below.
Specs: Winix A231 Vs Blueair Mini Max
| Product Image |  7% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Blueair |
| Model | A231 | Mini Max |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) | 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches (29 x 17.2 x 15 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) | 2.8 lb (1.3 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 mÂł/h) | 60 CFM (102 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. | 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) | 93 sq. ft. (9 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (91 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, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | about 6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 91 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 10W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (91 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, Low, Medium, and High | 3 - Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 44 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 45 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Sleep ModePlasmaWave | Child Lock |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA | 40.4 – 60.3 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (91 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 Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Portable Use |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix A231 | Blueair Mini Max |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, the Winix A231 was expected to make better results, thanks to higher CADR and a better-quality filter.
In a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), the Winix A231 improved air quality by approximately 95%, while the Blueair Mini Max achieved around 89%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix A231 and Blueair Mini Max in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We also did tests in other rooms, but I believe this particular test is the most relevant for this comparison.
Another important point to mention is that the Winix is slightly more effective at neutralizing unpleasant odors, primarily due to its higher-quality carbon filter.
All things considered, I’d say the Winix A231 is a significantly more efficient air purifier.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Not only did the Winix perform better in airborne particle removal tests, but it also delivered significantly better results in the smoke test.
It cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 25 seconds, which is much faster than the 44 seconds it took the Blueair.
Overall, I believe the higher CADR and better carbon filter played a key role in the Winix A231 winning this test as well.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The Winix offers more fan speeds and a higher CADR. However, when it comes to overall optimization, it’s questionable which of the two models performs better.
It’s also worth noting that the Blueair lacks a sleep mode.
At the lowest speed (sleep mode on the Winix), the Winix A231 produces 40.2 dBA of noise, while the Blueair Mini Max produces 40.4 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix A231 and Blueair Mini Max air purifiers.
At maximum speed, things are different: the Winix A231 reaches 66.5 dBA, while the Blueair produces 60.3 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (dBA) | Blueair Mini Max (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 48.2 dBA | 40.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.3 dBA | 49.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 66.5 dBA | 60.3 dBA |
Looking at the chart, we can conclude that both models are fairly similar in terms of noise levels, though the Blueair Mini Max is slightly quieter at the maximum fan speed.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Although the Winix delivered slightly better performance in tests and performed well in the noise test, it’s hard to compete with Blueair when it comes to power efficiency, especially considering it uses a motor of just 10W.
In contrast, the Winix A231 uses a 55W motor, which is quite high for such a compact device.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix A231 and Blueair Mini Max air purifiers at all fan speeds.
That’s why I gave it a slightly lower score in the operating cost category compared to some other similar air purifiers.
If you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for an entire month, the electricity cost would be about $3.56 for the Winix and just $0.68 for the Blueair.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (W + $/month) | Blueair Mini Max (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.2W ($0.02) |
| Sleep Mode | 9.9W ($0.87) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.2W ($2.56) | 0.9W ($0.08) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.3W ($2.74) | 2.7W ($0.24) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 40.6W ($3.56) | 7.7W ($0.68) |
Additionally, while Winix filters tend to last longer, its less efficient motor significantly increases long-term maintenance costs, making it more expensive to maintain annually than the Blueair Mini Max.
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