AEG AX5 Air Purifier Review – Tests Data Analyzed!

Full Review

Over the past few months, I’ve bought several air purifiers that are primarily available in the EU market rather than in the US. I decided this after many inquiries from our visitors about EU-specific models.

One such air purifier is the AEG AX51-304. Although it’s not designed for the US market, it’s a device worth reviewing.

This medium-sized air purifier is an excellent choice for those seeking a modern, smart, and highly efficient device. Manufactured by the trusted German brand AEG, it’s highly reliable and has delivered exceptional performance in our tests.

Interestingly, its sister company, Electrolux, offers the same model under a different name and often for a different price.

This means that whether you purchase the Electrolux Well AX5 or the AEG AX5, you’ll get a practically identical device.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the test results.

How We Tested the AEG AX5?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the AEG AX5 in two separate performance tests, one in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and the other in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the AEG AX5 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the AEG AX5 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

When evaluating performance, the first aspects I always analyze are the CADR and room coverage of the air purifier.

The AEG AX5 has a CADR of 170 CFM (290 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 267 sq. ft. (25 m²). In a room of this size, the AEG AX5 will clean the air 4.8 times per hour.

We tested this model in two different rooms based on its recommended room size. Additionally, I used it in my living room for an extended period to evaluate its performance in everyday situations.

Overall, I found it highly effective at removing bad odors, though its greatest strength lies in eliminating airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and similar contaminants.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), which is slightly smaller than the recommended size, the AEG AX5 produced excellent results.

Within 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the air purifier reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 98 to 5.4 µg/m³ and improved the overall air quality by approximately 94%.

This is an impressive outcome, even considering the room’s smaller-than-recommended dimensions.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the second test, performed in a room larger than the recommended dimensions, the AEG AX5 also showed great results.

This room is 320 sq. ft. (30 m²). Within 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the AEG AX5 improved air quality by approximately 91%.

When comparing this result with similar devices (see the chart above), it’s clear that while the AEG AX5 isn’t in the top tier, it comes very close. This performance is impressive enough to conclude that it achieved fantastic results in this test as well.

For reference, the Levoit Core 400S improved air quality by about 96% in the same test, while the Philips 800 Series achieved a comparable 91% improvement.

Overall, I can confidently say that the AEG AX5 is a reliable, efficient, and highly capable air purifier.

We tested the noise levels at all five fan speeds available on the AEG AX5 using a specialized tool that measures sound levels on the dBA scale.

What immediately stands out is that the AEG AX5 is exceptionally well-optimized for noise, making it one of the quietest air purifiers we’ve tested.

At the lowest speed, it produces a sound of just 40.1 dBA, which is noticeably quieter than some competing air purifiers. For instance, the Levoit Vital 200S produces 41 dBA at its lowest speed.

The noise optimization extends to its maximum speed as well. At full power, it produces only 56.8 dBA, placing it among the quietest air purifiers we’ve tested at the maximum speed. The only model worth mentioning in comparison is the Alen FLEX, which is slightly quieter, with a sound level of 53.7 dBA.

Overall, the AEG AX5 is an exceptionally quiet and well-optimized air purifier, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and other spaces where minimizing noise is essential.

This air purifier is equipped with a motor of just 55W, but based on our tests, it consumes significantly less power at maximum speed—just 42.4W.

If you were to run the AEG AX5 at a maximum speed 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $4.82. This isn’t a small cost compared to some similar air purifiers.

As shown in the provided chart, the AEG AX5 is among the higher energy consumers compared to similar devices. The only model with higher energy consumption is the Winix 5500-2, which would cost around $5.08 under the same conditions.

In addition to electricity costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which are somewhat pricier than those of competitors. However, AEG claims that the filters for the AX5 model last an average of up to 24 months if the air purifier is used for 12 hours a day.

While I find it unlikely that the filters will last this long in all scenarios, this claim is still a positive factor and contributes to the AEG AX5 receiving a slightly higher rating in our operating costs evaluation.

Filtration Technology

Rectangular air purifiers are widely recognized for their efficiency and have consistently outperformed cylindrical ones in our performance tests.

This dominance is due to the fact that cylindrical filters lose some of their effectiveness when bent, whereas rectangular filters maintain their full efficiency. The AEG AX5 takes advantage of this by using rectangular filters located on the front side of the device.

It features a four-stage filtration technology, which includes a Pre-filter, Ultrafine Particle Filter, VOC Carbon Filter, and Ionizer.

This filtration technology has proven to be highly efficient, as demonstrated in our performance tests and the smoke test.

Pre-filter

The mesh pre-filter is the first stage of filtration. This washable filter doesn’t require replacement and is highly effective at capturing large dust particles, hair, and similar airborne debris.

Its primary purpose is to protect the ultrafine particle filter and extend its lifespan.

For optimal performance, I recommend cleaning the pre-filter regularly—at least twice per month. You can easily do this using a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner.

Ultrafine Particle Filter

The ultrafine particle filter is the primary filtration stage in this air purifier and is a key contributor to the exceptional performance of the AEG AX5 in our tests.

Although it is not a HEPA-certified filter, AEG claims that the ultrafine particle filter captures 99.6% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. For comparison, True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles of the same size. While this difference may seem significant at first glance, it is practically invisible in real-life conditions.

This filter is highly effective at capturing small airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses.

VOC carbon filter

The pellet-based activated carbon filter is the third stage of filtration and is primarily responsible for neutralizing unpleasant odors.

This filter is good because it uses carbon pellets rather than a fibrous filter coated with carbon. This makes it significantly more efficient, allowing it to neutralize a much larger amount of odors far more effectively.

Ionizer

The final stage of filtration is the ionizer, which releases negative ions into the air. These ions attach to positive ions, causing particles to settle on the floor and other surfaces.

This process helps remove small airborne dust particles from the air.

It’s important to note that the ionizer may produce ozone as a byproduct. Since the AEG AX5 isn’t designed for the US market, it isn’t CARB-certified, which would guarantee that it doesn’t emit an unsafe amount of ozone.

However, the ionizer is an optional feature—you are not required to use it. By default, this feature is turned off.

How to Replace the AEG AX5 Filter?

The AEG AX5 uses non-washable, replaceable filters that need to be changed periodically. However, only the ultrafine particle and carbon filters require replacement—the pre-filter is washable and doesn’t need to be replaced.

Each filter in this air purifier is equipped with an RFID tag, which means you can’t use third-party filters; only original AEG replacement filters are compatible.

According to the manufacturer, the filters last up to 24 months. However, their lifespan depends on the environment in which the device is used and how often it’s used.

The filter replacement process is straightforward and requires only a few steps and just a few minutes of your time.

Room Coverage & CADR

Frankly, when I first saw the AEG AX5, I expected it to have a much higher CADR given its size—it’s not a small device, to be clear.

The AEG AX5 has a CADR of 170 CFM (290 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 267 sq. ft. (25 m²). In a room of this size, it cleans the air 4.8 times per hour, which meets the industry standard of 4.8 ACH (Air Changes per Hour).

Interestingly, this CADR also means that the AEG AX5 could clean the air in a 640 sq. ft. room twice per hour, which is still a commendable performance for larger spaces.

Setup and Installation

Before using the AEG AX5 for the first time, there are a few preparation steps to complete. First, be aware that the unit comes with several parts, so take a moment to carefully inspect the packaging contents.

Next, prepare the filters. Begin by gently removing the front panel from the unit using both hands.

Then, take out the mesh pre-filter, ultrafine particle filter, and VOC carbon layer, and remove all plastic packaging from them.

Finally, place everything back as it was.

If you plan to mount the AEG AX5 to the wall, I recommend reading the user manual for detailed instructions, as the process can be a bit complex.

Design

The AEG AX5 is one of the most modern and beautifully designed air purifiers I’ve had the pleasure of testing. Simply put, the designers paid attention to nearly every detail.

Additionally, the build quality is excellent. It’s evident that this is a product from a German brand, not just another generic device. To be clear, it’s made in China.

What impressed me even more is the option to choose from several different front covers, allowing you to easily customize the air purifier to suit your space.

Some versions of the AEG AX5 include a leather handle attached to the top of the device, making it easy to carry from one location to another.

However, even if your model doesn’t come with this handle, there’s a slot on the back designed for carrying.

The model I purchased is white, with black grilles on the top and a black control panel.

All in all, I’m sure that the AEG AX5 will fit easily into almost any environment and home.

LED Indicators and Controls

On the top of the air purifier, you’ll find a control panel that contains LED indicators and touch buttons.

The control panel allows full control of the device, but for a more convenient and remote experience, I recommend connecting the air purifier to the AEG smart app.

The power button is used to switch the device on or off, while the mode button toggles between smart and manual modes. The smart mode is the default setting and will activate automatically every time you turn on the air purifier. In this mode, the device adjusts the fan speed based on the current air quality.

The control panel also includes the filter change, alerts, child lock, ionizer, WiFi, and air quality indicators.

One unique feature is the alert indicator, which isn’t commonly found on many air purifiers. It reminds me of the error codes displayed on Dyson air purifiers.

Airflow

To clarify and avoid any confusion, the first thing I want to point out is that the front cover of the AEG AX5 is made of plastic and doesn’t allow air to pass through, it only gives the appearance of doing so.

Instead, the air purifier draws air through the openings located between the front cover and the main body of the device.

The air is then filtered and released through the grilles on the top of the unit.

Size and Dimensions

The dimensions of the AEG AX5 air purifier are 22.8 x 18.9 x 8.4 inches (57.9 x 48 x 21.3 cm). It weighs 14.3 lb (6.5 kg).

What’s in the box?

When you buy the AEG AX51-304 air purifier, you’ll get 1x Air Purifier, 1x Pre-installed Filter, 1x Power Cord, 1x User Manual, 2x legs, and depending on the version, you can also get a detachable carrying handle. 

Before the first start of your air purifier, please unwrap filters from the plastic wrap. If you don’t know how to do this, you can refer to the section above, where I explained the setup procedure.

Features Overview

The AEG AX5 is a simple yet elegant air purifier with many advanced features. While many of its features are accessible directly via the control panel, some are only available through the smart app, which I’ll cover later in this review. 

Now, let’s explore the most important features of this air purifier.

Air Quality Sensor & Indicator & Smart Mode

This air purifier features a highly precise laser-based particulate matter (PM) sensor that detects PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 levels in real time. 

It works with some other features, such as smart mode and the air quality indicator. 

The air quality indicator is located on the front of the control panel and changes color based on the current air quality. 

Additionally, when the air purifier is set to smart mode, the fan speed changes automatically based on the room’s air quality. Please refer to the table below for details on how smart mode changes the fan speed and the color of the air quality indicator based on PM2.5 values.

Light Color	PM 2.5 (µg/m³)	Air Quality Status	Fan Speed
White	Calibrating / Onboarding	Calibrating / Onboarding	Calibrating / Onboarding
Green	0-12	Very Good	2
Yellow	13-35	Good	3
Orange	36-55	Poor	4
Red	56-150	Very Poor	5
Purple	151-250	Bad	5
Maroon	>250	Very Bad	5

This sensor is very precise, even significantly more so than those found in some air purifiers in the same price range.

In addition to viewing air quality data through the LED indicator, you can access more detailed air quality data via the smart app.

Child Lock

The child lock is a fantastic feature for securing your device and preventing any changes to the current settings through the control panel. 

You can easily deactivate this feature either through the Wellbeing app or directly on the control panel by holding the power and mode buttons for 5 seconds.

Manual Mode

In manual mode, you can adjust the air purifier’s fan speed by tapping the scroll slider on the control panel. 

Alternatively, the fan speed can be adjusted more easily through the smart app. The AEG AX5 offers five different fan speed levels.

Warranty

The AEG air purifier comes with a 2-year warranty, though the duration may vary depending on the market where the device was purchased. 

AEG sometimes offers an additional 3 years of warranty if you register your device on their website.

AEG Smart App (Wellbeing App)

The AEG AX5 uses an app called the Wellbeing App, available on both Android and iOS devices. The app is simple, minimalistic, and efficient. 

One issue I experienced with the app was difficulty connecting my unit, which persisted until AEG released an update (patch) that resolved the problem.

The process of connecting the air purifier to the app is straightforward, and requiers only a few steps that are clearly displayed on-screen. 

Once connected, the app functions as an all-in-one remote control for your device. It allows you to monitor the current air quality, view historical air quality data trends in your home, and switch between different operating modes. 

Additionally, you can use the app to turn the air quality light and child lock on or off, track filter life, and reset the filter. 

While the app isn’t as advanced or feature-rich as the VeSync or Mi Home apps (used for Levoit and Xiaomi devices), it’s still a practical tool that enhances the overall user experience while using your air purifier.

FAQ on AEG AX5