Airdog X3 Air Purifier: Easy-to-Maintain & Great Performance

Full Review

Airdog is an innovative company in the air purifier market, known for launching several successful air purifiers.

In this article, I will evaluate the Airdog X3, one of the smallest models in their lineup, yet definitely worth considering.

I found this air purifier following its successfully funded campaign on Indiegogo.

It’s a smart, innovative, and low-maintenance air purifier with many exciting features. It is certainly a fascinating option worth exploring.

How We Tested the Airdog X3?

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 Airdog X3 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 Airdog X3 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 Airdog X3 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.

Although the Airdog X3 is a medium-sized air purifier, its CADR is lower than expected.

With a CADR of 118 CFM (200 m³/h), it’s best suited for spaces up to 215 sq. ft. (20 m²).

We tested it in two different rooms—one smaller and one larger than the recommended size. Additionally, I used it in my own space for an extended period.

Based on real-life experience, I can only say that the Airdog X3 is an efficient air purifier that easily removes airborne dust particles.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, we placed the Airdog X3 in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and let it run at maximum speed for 60 minutes.

It successfully improved air quality by 93%, reducing PM2.5 particulate matter from 119.9 to 7.9 µg/m³.

This is an impressive performance.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the second test, we placed the Airdog X3 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, which is significantly larger than its recommended coverage area.

In just 60 minutes at maximum speed, it improved air quality by 91%.

For comparison, the Winix 5510 achieved a 96% improvement under the same conditions.

I must say I’m impressed with the Airdog’s performance, especially considering that it doesn’t use a HEPA filter.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

The Airdog X3 features a small pellet-based carbon filter and a relatively low CADR, yet it still managed to clear all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds.

For comparison, the Levoit Core 300, despite being a much smaller device, also removed all the smoke in 20 seconds.

However, a similarly sized model, the Levoit Core 400S, needed just 15 seconds to do the same.

Considering its size, I would expect the Airdog X3 to remove smoke more quickly, ideally at least as fast as the Levoit Core 400S.

When it comes to noise levels, the first thing to note is that the Airdog X3 offers five fan speeds, including sleep mode.

At its lowest speed (sleep mode), it produces a sound of 40.8 dBA, making it an excellent choice for bedroom use.

As seen in the chart above, very few air purifiers are quieter than the Airdog X3.

At maximum speed, it produces 56.1 dBA, and if you refer to the chart, you’ll see that the Airdog X3 is the quietest air purifier in its class.

In summary, the Airdog X3 is an exceptionally quiet air purifier.

The Airdog X3 is equipped with a 27W motor, consuming just 24.1W at maximum speed.

This means that if you run it at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $2.11 (based on an electricity rate of $0.12/kWh).

For comparison, under the same conditions, the Xiaomi 4 Lite would cost $3.25, while the AEG AX5 would cost approximately $4.82.

Another interesting fact is that the Airdog X3 consumes only 1.8W in standby mode.

Given that it uses a washable/permanent filter and a low-power motor, the Airdog X3 is highly cost-effective for annual maintenance.

Filtration Technology

Airdog X3 is an ionizer with a four-stage filtration method. It doesn’t have a HEPA filter. Instead, the Airdog X3 air purifier has a washable Pre-Filter and Collecting Plates. In fact, you can safely wash them in a dishwashing machine. 

There is no need for filter replacement. However, you will need to clean the air purifier periodically. As soon as you see the letter “C” on the screen, you need to clean the filters. In case you see a 9xx error, then the whole device needs to be cleaned.

Pre-filter

Pre-filter is washable, and its main job is to remove large particles. Pet dander, hair, and large dust can easily be removed with a pre-filter. 

Electrode Generator

Electrode generators use electric power to kill viruses and bacteria. Nothing is trapped on the electrode generator since everything is destroyed.

Collecting Plates

Collecting plates collects debris and everything that wasn’t caught with previous filters. The good news is that this filter is easily washable. When the time for changing the collecting plate is, the air purifier will warn you on a display. Collecting plates can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher. It will usually dry in 20 minutes due to infused graphene material, after which you can return it to the device.

The collecting plates of X3 contain infused graphene material which is the futuristic technology that the spacecraft regularly uses. Airdog X3 collecting plates apply the graphene to enhance its performance which can attract particles as small as 0.0146µm, which is 6 times stronger than the traditional air purifier. It is also chemical-proof, so you can wash the collecting plates without worrying about any effectiveness losses.

When you see the letter “C” on display, then that means that this filter needs cleaning.

Activated Carbon Filter

The carbon filter is the last layer of defense. It is used to remove unwanted odors, smells, and other compounds. It also removed ozone. The activated Carbon Filter is not washable, but it’s also a permanent filter. You can refresh/clean the carbon filter by placing it in direct sun for some time.

How to Clean Collecting Plates in Four Easy Steps?

Make sure the device is not powered! The best way to do that is to unplug it. For proper cleaning of Collecting Plates, check the steps below.

After completing all the necessary steps, long press the operating button to reset the filter cleaning indicator.

Design

At first look, Airdog X3 looks simple. The white color is dominant and on the top is the black-colored control panel.

Airdog X3 is controlled by one button, but all the settings and information are available on the screen.

On each side, there are holes for the air outlet that are also used for easier transport. A simple yet attractive design puts the X3 air purifier on the list of modern air purifiers. 

The plastic used in production is of high quality, and the whole device looks like some premium high-quality tool. Everything on the air purifier is of top quality.

An adapter powers Airdog, and it is highly recommended to use the original power adapter that you got in the package.

Control Options

This lovely air purifier is controlled in two ways, one is with the button on the control panel, and the other is through the Airdog Smart App (Android or iOS). 

For WiFi control, you will need a smartphone. Anyway, on the control panel, you can easily change the fan speed.

Display

The display is located on top of the device at the bottom right corner. All basic information is available on display.

Fan speed is measured from L1 to L4. L1 is the slowest speed, L2 is the medium speed, L3 is the highest speed, and L4 is the turbo speed. 

However, there is also a sleep mode. When you turn on the sleep mode, you will see three dots on display (“…”).

Other than that, you can check AQI on display. AQI rating goes from 0 to 500. The lowest number is high-quality air, while the numbers near 500 indicate polluted air.

On display, you can also see when the device is connected to the smart application.

When you see a padlock on display, then the child lock is activated. If you have kids, you will love this option the most.

It also indicates all troubles with the filter on display. You will notice the letter “-C-” and the number “9xx,” which represent that it’s time to change the collecting plate or perform the whole device cleaning.

Airflow

On the bottom, half of the air purifier is an inlet. Airdog X3 pulls air from three sides as well as the bottom. As soon as air is drawn inside the air purifier, the filtering process starts.

First, air goes through the Pre-Filter that will capture all the bigger particles like pet dander, hair, large dust, and other larger particles from the air.

After going through a Pre-Filter, the air comes to the Electrode Generator that is going to kill viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants.

The next stage of air filtration is collecting debris with Collecting plates. They are like a magnet that will collect all the particles starting from microorganisms to dust and more.

In the end, the air comes to the Activated Carbon Filter, which will remove odors and ozone.

The air outlet is on the holes on the side and on the top. All in all, Airdog X3 has impressive airflow.

Size and Dimensions

Airdog X3 has a 12.7lb. Some people will not find this heavy, but there are holes for hands that will come in handy for transportation. The device is a medium size (12 x 12 x 14.5 inches).

Accessories and Parts

You will get one air purifier with a collecting plate, pre-filter, ionization wireframe, carbon filter, user manual, and power adapter in the purchasing package.

Features Overview

Before anything, I must say that Airdog X3 has many certificates, and many tests were done on it. Since this Airdog air purifier’s main technology is an ionizer, certificates, and tests are needed to prove its safety.

Zero waste is the motto of the Airdog company, and that is what makes the Airdog X3 unique on the market.

Airdog X3 has many advanced technology features like auto mode, smart mode, smart app, and many other things.

Two Pole Active Technology (TPA)

TPA is a patented technology by Airdog that is used in their air purifiers. This technology is very different from HEPA filters. The main advantage is that everything is washable and you don’t need to buy any extra filters. 

Electrodes are used to kill viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants. After these pollutants are dead, they are trapped on plates that you can easily wash and clean. In this way, Airdog X3 air purifier produces zero waste.

Air Quality Sensor

The Air Quality Sensor is located on the backside. Air particles are pulled into the system, which then, in real-time, calculates the quality of air. AQI is a rating used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

You can see the emitting color on the air purifier bottom, which emits the air quality color. See the table below for more info about colors.

Color	Quality (AQI)
Green	Excellent (AQI <50)
Yellow Green	Good (AQI < 100)
Yellow	Moderately Polluted (AQI < 150)
Red	Hazardous (AQI > 150)

How to Clean Air Quality Sensor

As the Airdog air purifier has an embedded air quality sensor, you don’t need an extra device to check the quality of air but you have to maintain it properly to make its lifespan longer.

The air quality sensor requires cleaning every six months. Besides cleaning the air quality sensor, doing that accurately, will extend its lifespan at the same time. Below is the explained process of cleaning the air quality sensor:

Auto Mode / Smart Control

Auto mode uses sensors, and it will automatically adjust the fan speed according to the AQI level. By pressing auto mode, you can let the air purifier work forever without any interruptions. With this feature, you can let it run hands-free and, in the process, save money on energy bills. The auto mode’s fantastic feature is if there is a night, the air purifier will enter sleep mode on its own.

Moving Sensor

This advanced air purifier has a moving sensor that detects people in the room. As soon Airdog X3 detects someone in the room, it will automatically display AQI.

Timer

The timer in Airdog X3 is not the standard timer I have seen in regular air purifiers. Airdog X3 has an advanced timer that can turn itself at a particular time. It can also shut down automatically. To use this advanced timer, you will need to use a smartphone application. It is simple to use, simple as setting the alarm.

Child Lock

You can turn the child lock on only with a smartphone application. As the name says, when the child lock is on, the buttons on the air purifier will not work. You can turn off the child lock by using a smartphone application or by holding the control button for a few seconds.

Kills Viruses

Guangdong Detection Center of Microbiology has proven in one of their tests on Airdog air purifiers that influenza viruses are eliminated from the air. The test is not a big surprise since we know that electroplates with ionization can destroy many airborne pollutants.

Airdog Smart App

A smart application is used to control all the advanced features Airdog X3 air purifier offers. Some functions of the X3 air purifier are not usable without a smartphone application. You either need to have an Android or iOS smartphone. The same application controls all Airdog air purifiers.

Search for an app called “Airdogpro“ on Play or iOS app stores.

Installation, Sign Up, and Device Connection

As soon as you install the application on your smartphone, you need to sign up to access it. When you create an account, you need to add Airdog X3 to your menu by clicking Add Device. After that, choose MINI Air Purifier as an option. Check out the picture below for easy installation.

Starting Screen, AQI Chart, and Child Mode

You will see your device on a starting screen if everything goes all right with the first step and installation. Click on the device to see more information and options. 

You will see:

• AQI: Air Quality Index that displays real-time air quality in the room
• Chart: on the chart, you can see historical data about air quality
• Control Buttons: power, sleep mode, auto mode, child lock, fan speed
• Settings: in the right top corner of the screen is the settings button.

Timer Settings

The advanced timer is available only through the Smart Airdog X3 application. The first thing to do is to click on the settings icon and, after that, choose the timing setting. 

Now you can see a list of all active and inactive timings. If you want to add a new timer, click the “+” button. As you see in the picture below, you can choose the exact time when the air purifier should work. Also, you can add more than a one-timer. Airdog X3, if started by a timer, will start itself in auto mode.

Room Coverage

Airdog X3 is recommended for rooms up to 215 sq. ft. In such rooms, it has a CADR of 117 CFM. However, you can use it in slightly larger or smaller rooms without any problems if you feel like it.

Does the Airdog X3 Create Ozone?

Airdog X3 creates ozone, but the amount that it produces is a few times under the safe amount, so there is no doubt that the air purifier is safe to use. Electrode generators with collecting plates scream ozone, but tests have proven that the amount of ozone created by X3 is totally safe. You can check results collected by SGS, an independent lab.

As a result, it creates 0.0053 ppm, while the CDC’s safety limit is set at 0.1 ppm. In other words, ozone levels created by Airdog X3 are way below safety limits.

FAQ on Airdog X3