This time, I bring you an interesting comparison.
At first glance, it may look like I’m comparing two stereo speakers, and you might even start planning a movie night. But before you grab the remote and settle in, take a moment to read the next few lines—I promise you won’t regret it.
From the hugely popular brand Xiaomi, the Mi 3H claims to remove up to 99.97% of pollutants from your living space, leaving the air instantly cleaner. And the best part? You can relax in front of the TV while controlling the device through the Xiaomi Smart App; there is no need to get up.
On the other side, we have another globally recognized brand, Coway. Their purifying powerhouse, the Coway AP-1512HH (also known as the Coway Mighty), is here to back up its name and justify the many awards it has received.
Let me take you through a step-by-step comparison and show you why this battle between two top-tier devices is anything but easy.
Our Verdict
I wish I could cut a long story short, but that wouldn’t do justice to either of these air purifiers. Multiple tests have shown just how competitive they really are.
With a well-known brand like Xiaomi, you naturally expect its air purifier to be top-tier, but in this case, it gets outperformed by the Coway AP-1512HH. That’s precisely why I consider Coway to be the better choice.
There are many features that work in Coway’s favor, from solid build quality and a reliable air quality sensor to excellent overall performance and the inclusion of a True HEPA filter.
Still, even though I find the Coway AP-1512HH to be the superior option, I think the Xiaomi Mi 3H is also worth buying, not just for its brand name but especially for its efficiency.
Specs: Xiaomi Mi 3H Vs Coway AP-1512HH
| Product Image |  |  10% off |
| Manufacturer | Xiaomi | Coway |
| Model | Mi 3H | AP-1512HH |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 20.5 inches (24 x 24 x 52 cm) | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 10.6 lb (4.8 kg) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 223 CFM (380 m³/h) | 233 CFM (396 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. | 484 sq. ft. (45 m²) | 361 sq. ft. (33 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, True HEPA and Active Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-12 months | 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. | 38W | 77W |
| 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 | 6 – Automatic Mode, Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Manual Mode | 3 – 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 | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Temperature and HumidityParental ControlsDisplay Off | IonizerTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.9 – 65.4 dBA | 41.4 – 63.5 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 | Living Rooms Kitchens Offices Allergies Large Spaces Smart Home Integration | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Dust |
| Warranty | 1-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Xiaomi Mi 3H | Coway AP-1512HH |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
Before diving into the performance test results, let’s first compare the room coverage of these two models.
The Xiaomi Mi 3H is ideal for rooms up to 484 sq. ft. (45 m²), while the Coway AP-1512HH is best suited for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-1512HH in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
For testing purposes, we evaluated both models in a 360 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
After 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the Xiaomi Mi 3H improved air quality by 95%, while the Coway AP-1512HH achieved a 96% improvement.
Both air purifiers produced outstanding performance. These results are definitely commendable, especially when considering long-term use.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We put these two purifiers through our smoke removal test to see which one could clear the smoke faster.
Although the Xiaomi Mi 3H has a much higher CADR and uses a pellet-based carbon filter, it didn’t achieve significantly better results than the Coway.
The Xiaomi Mi 3H cleared the smoke in just 15 seconds, while the Coway took only 3 seconds more (18 seconds).
To be frank, there are better alternatives in this class of air purifiers when it comes to neutralizing odors, such as the Winix 5510, for example.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When it comes to fan speed settings, the Xiaomi Mi 3H is a bit unique—mainly because it features a manual mode that allows users to fine-tune the fan speed.
However, if we exclude the manual and auto modes, we can say that the Xiaomi offers four preset fan speeds, while the Coway AP-1512HH has three.
| Fan Speed | Xiaomi Mi 3H (dBA) | Coway AP-1512HH (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.9 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.6 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 56.5 dBA | 44.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 63.7 dBA | 63.5 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 65.4 dBA | - |
Using a professional noise meter that measures sound on the dBA scale, we measured the noise levels at all available speeds.
At the lowest speed, the Xiaomi Mi 3H produces 40.9 dBA, while the Coway AP-1512HH measures slightly higher at 41.4 dBA. For noise levels at other speeds, refer to the chart below.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-1512HH air purifiers.
There’s one tricky thing about both of these air purifiers.
While maximum speed delivers the best airflow and cleaning performance, both devices become noticeably loud in this setting.
Operating Costs – Comparison
So, we’ve come to an interesting part, where some of the data I’m about to share might seem a bit confusing at first.
On one side, you have the Xiaomi Mi 3H with a 33W motor; on the other, the Coway Mighty boasts a powerful 77W motor. If you run both devices 24/7 at maximum speed for an entire month, you’d end up with an electricity bill of approximately $3.42 for the Xiaomi and $6.05 for the Coway Mighty.
When it comes to spending, many of us are quick to buy the cheaper option. But sometimes, it’s worth slowing down and taking a closer look.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-1512HH air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you’ve already read the section about filters, then you know that both devices come with their own long-term costs.
| Fan Speed | Xiaomi Mi 3H (W + $/month) | Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.9W ($0.08) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
| Sleep Mode | 2.2W ($0.19) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4W ($0.35) | 3.6W ($0.31) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 17.3W ($1.52) | 8.1W ($0.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 27.4W ($2.4) | 69.1W ($6.05) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 39W ($3.42) | - |
Although the Xiaomi Mi 3H’s replacement filter is slightly more expensive and doesn’t last as long as the Coway’s, the device is better optimized for power efficiency, making it more affordable overall when it comes to annual maintenance.
Features Overview
One thing is for sure. For air purifiers like Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-1512HH, it is almost impossible to leave it with only basic options.
Therefore, it is no surprise that out of the many advanced options each of these appliances owns, a lot of them are in common. For instance, one of the valuable ones is definitely the Filter Reset Indicator. Just in case you forget the time when the filter needs to be replaced, the Indicator will remind you and your wallet, by the way.
Also, options like a smart sensor, auto mode, and air quality Indicator are just additional examples.
Air Quality Sensor
This is the part where a true battle takes place. It’s the Air Quality Sensor that both appliances have, which is supposed to detect dust particles in the air.
With Coway Mighty you get to set this sensor in 3 levels, from sensitive, to standard, to insensitive, depending on what kind of ambiance you want to create. Pay attention to the Air Quality Indicator, which will let you know the current quality of the surrounding air.
As opposed to Coway, Xiaomi Mi 3H shows more data, such as PM 2.5 particles. You can see it on the display of the air purifier, right next to the Air quality indicator.
I noticed after long-term usage that Coway definitely has a more precise sensor than Xiaomi and with high-end quality. I find that feature very important.
Auto Mode
This is the option where both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-1512HH unite. Based on the information that the Air Quality Indicator sends on whether and how clean the air is, the air purifier will be sped up or slowed down once it is in the Auto Mode.
An extra feature that Coway Mighty can use to brag about is the ECO mode. The ECO mode constantly controls the air quality and if the air is clean enough for about half an hour, it will switch to standby mode. But, even then the ECO feature keeps working in the background, and if the air alarms “pollution” the Coway Mighty gets back on track.
Smart App
Being the brand as it is, of course having a Smart App is something you’d expect from Xiaomi. Like in many other products, Xiaomi has developed a ”Mi Home” smart app that is common for all the appliances that have been put on the market. It’s basically the universal application that will make it easier for you to control your gadget/appliance, by unlocking the newest features that can be applied.
If you want to know more about the Xiaomi app itself and how you can connect Alexa or your Google assistant, go and check out my full Xiaomi Mi 3H in-depth review.
Even though it is Mighty, Coway still hasn’t developed an app that can be complemented with the appliance. But that doesn’t make it any less competitive.
Timer
While you can’t set the timer directly on the Xiaomi Mi 3H, you can still use the app which gives endless opportunities to control your device, by setting the exact time you want the purifier to turn ON/OFF. Coway Mighty does this in a more habitual procedure, by setting it to 1h, 4h, or 8h before it shuts down.
Sleep Mode
First, let me say it’s a shame that Coway, as Mighty as it is, does not come with a feature like this. Still, there’s a catch. There is always a catch, right? If you hold the Ionizer button for about 3 seconds and you set the Speed 1, it will give you the same effect as if your purifier had a Sleep Mode.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi Mi 3H uses this option in a pretty simple way. Once the appliance is set to Sleep Mode, the speed will decrease to minimal, and the lights on the display will be dimmed, so you can fall asleep in no time without being distracted.
Airflow
There’s a slight difference between Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP1512HH regarding how their filters are positioned.
Coway has its filter placed frontally, sucking the air through the holes, filtrating it, and releasing it through the upper openings. Xiaomi’s filter takes up about two-thirds of the appliance and it is placed on the bottom. All of its sides are used to draw in the air, except the rear one where the lid is. The air is being filtered and released through the upper side of the air purifier.
Warranty
Maybe you’re the kind of customer that expects all of his appliances to work eternally, once they’re bought. But hey, sometimes it’s not about how long they last, it’s about how well they serve us.
This is the thing where Coway is in advantage by giving you a 3-year warranty for the Mighty one, while Xiaomi offers only 1 year. To me, it only points out how seriously the Coway company takes its customers.
Filtration Technology
At this point, it is quite obvious that Xiaomi and Coway are pretty equal and a 3:4 ratio, when counting stages of filtration, proves it. Both air purifiers have a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and a Carbon filter respectively, while Coway adds an extra stage with its Ionizer.
Considering the different shapes of Xiaomi Mi 3H and Coway AP-512HH it is a bit hard to measure and compare the size of filters in these appliances. I’ll give myself the freedom to state that the sizes of filters are pretty much the same.
There are three things I would like to point out about Coway Mighty.
First, if you want your air purifier to last long, you have to wash its pre-filter at least once a month. Second, the Ionizer button is not ON by default, so once you need it, just turn it ON. And last, but not least, Coway comes with a CARB certificate, which means it produces ozone within legal boundaries.
How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices
When it comes to the endurance of every single air purifier, I always remind myself to clean the pre-filter at least once a month. The same advice I am giving to you.
In this case, with Coway Mighty you get the chance to wash the pre-filter, while Xiaomi does not have that option. Not to mention that replacing the filter costs way more as opposed to Coway, and you’d have to do it more often. At least once or twice a year.
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