AirFanta 3Pro DIY & Travel Friendly Air Purifier – Review!

Full Review

For testing and review purposes, I bought the AirFanta 3Pro with HEPA and carbon filter included.

When purchasing the AirFanta, you can choose between a version with or without the carbon filter.

I believe the version with the carbon filter represents the AirFanta’s performance much better, especially in our smoke removal tests.

When I first unboxed the AirFanta, I didn’t expect much—mainly because this was the first DIY air purifier I had bought—but shortly after finishing the tests, I realized that it’s a surprisingly powerful device.

Don’t let its simple design or lack of features fool you! Performance is the most important aspect of any air purifier.

How We Tested the AirFanta 3Pro?

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 AirFanta 3Pro in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the AirFanta 3Pro 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 AirFanta 3Pro 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.

In our performance tests, we measured how efficiently the AirFanta 3Pro captured airborne particles.

Since it’s designed for rooms up to 645 sq. ft. (60 m²), we tested it in a room slightly smaller than the recommended size—but not significantly.

For testing purposes, we used the Temtop laser particle meter, which monitors PM2.5 and PM10 levels in real time.

What I noticed while using the AirFanta is that it’s fast, highly efficient, and on par with some of the best air purifiers we’ve tested—many of which are considerably larger than the AirFanta.

Testing in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) Room

We placed the AirFanta 3Pro in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room and measured how much it could improve air quality in just 60 minutes at maximum speed.

It managed to reduce PM2.5 levels from 103.2 to 4.3 µg/m³, which is a significant improvement. Overall, the AirFanta improved the air quality in this room by 96%.

If you look at the chart provided, you’ll see that the Levoit Core 600S achieved the same result. However, the Levoit is a much larger, more expensive, and noticeably louder device — so the AirFanta wins here!

I’ll simply say this: the AirFanta 3Pro is a highly efficient air purifier, as proven by our airborne particle removal test.

When it comes to noise, the AirFanta 3Pro has six fan speeds, and as shown in the chart, it’s not among the quietest air purifiers in the class.

At the lowest speed, the AirFanta 3Pro produces 40.1 dBA, which is quite low and comparable to some of the best noise-optimized devices. For example, the Xiaomi 4 Lite produces the same noise level at its lowest speed.

On the other hand, at maximum speed, the AirFanta 3Pro produces 62.5 dBA.

If you look at the chart, you’ll notice that the AirFanta ranks near the top—close to the loudest air purifiers in its category, but at the same time, it has a much larger CADR. For example, the Alen FLEX produces 53.7 dBA, while the Levoit LV-H134 reaches 70.3 dBA.

All in all, although the AirFanta 3Pro is slightly louder at maximum speed than I expected, it still has one of the best CADR-to-noise ratios available, and I’d say it’s overall well-optimized for noise.

The AirFanta 3Pro doesn’t use a traditional motor like many standard air purifiers.

Instead, it uses four small PC fans that are powerful enough to deliver a truly high CADR—all while consuming a maximum of just 38W.

If you were to run the AirFanta at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.89, which isn’t too high, especially considering the high CADR it provides.

As shown in the chart, the AirFanta 3Pro is quite energy-efficient and ranks among the better-optimized models in its class. For example, the Blueair 211+ would cost around $4.29 under the same conditions.

In addition to power costs, there’s the cost of replacement filters, which should be changed approximately twice per year.

Fortunately, the replacement filters are reasonably priced, so we can conclude that the overall operating cost of the AirFanta 3Pro is relatively low.

Filtration Technology

The AirFanta 3Pro uses four rectangular filters that cover all sides of the device.

Each filter consists of three layers: a pre-filter, a HEPA H11 filter, and an activated carbon filter.

What I really like about the AirFanta’s modular design is the massive total filtration area it provides.

Overall, I’d say the AirFanta 3Pro uses high-quality filtration technology, which is the main reason it achieved such outstanding results in our performance tests.

Pre-filter

The first filtration stage is a pre-filter that’s attached to the HEPA filter. Its main purpose is to capture larger particles such as dust, hair, pet fur, and similar.

This stage functions as the first line of defense and helps extend the lifespan of the main filters, particularly the HEPA filter, by preventing it from clogging too quickly.

I would prefer if this were a standalone filter rather than being attached directly to the HEPA. That way, it would be much easier to clean, wash, and maintain.

HEPA H11 Filter

The core of the AirFanta 3Pro’s filtration system is the HEPA H11 filter, which can capture at least 95% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Although it isn’t as effective as a True HEPA filter, this level of efficiency is more than sufficient for typical home use.

It easily traps common allergens such as pollen, mold spores, fine dust, and similar airborne particles.

One advantage of using a lower-grade HEPA filter is that it’s less dense, providing higher CADR and faster air-cleaning performance.

All in all, while it’s not the most advanced filter on the market, many users simply don’t need anything more efficient, especially for everyday home use.

Activated Carbon Filter

This filtration stage is optional, and I personally chose to buy the version with this filter primarily so I could more accurately test its performance — but also to see how effective it is at neutralizing smoke in our smoke test.

What I really like is that it uses a pellet-based carbon filter, which is generally much more effective than the fibrous carbon filters we’re seeing on more and more devices on the market.

In terms of performance, I can’t say it’s perfect or on the same level as some of the best air purifiers for odor neutralization, such as the Winix 5510 or Austin Air.

However, the AirFanta 3Pro performed quite well at neutralizing light odors, which is why I would recommend the version with the activated carbon filter to anyone dealing with mild odors or with polluted air and smog that easily enters the home.

Building (DIY) the AirFanta

Among all the air purifiers I’ve unboxed (more than one hundred till now), the AirFanta 3Pro is definitely the one that takes the most time to assemble.

The process itself is simple: you need to put four HEPA filters onto the plastic base plate, then attach the plastic plate with the four fans on top.

That’s it — although it can sometimes feel a bit awkward to fit everything together. I recommend being careful during assembly to avoid damaging the filters.

Once you’ve completed these steps, place the AirFanta 3Pro in your desired location, plug it in, and switch the fans on.

Design

Probably the biggest disadvantage of the AirFanta 3Pro is its design.

This air purifier looks anything but modern; it won’t easily fit into modern homes and interiors as seamlessly as some classic models from Blueair, Levoit, or Coway.

The AirFanta prioritizes functionality over aesthetics.

It’s made of good-quality plastic, everything fits together perfectly, and even with frequent assembly and disassembly, it’s quite durable and hard to damage.

So, if you’re looking for a stylish air purifier, the AirFanta 3Pro isn’t the one for you. But if you value performance and efficiency above design, it’s an excellent choice!

Controls

I already mentioned that the AirFanta 3Pro doesn’t have any special controls, buttons, indicators, or similar features.

This air purifier has only a small control button used to adjust the fan speed (voltage).

So, we can say that this air purifier is completely mechanical. If you’re not new to the air purifier market, you might be reminded of the GermGuardian AC4825, which also has a single control knob on top and lacks any advanced features.

Airflow

The AirFanta 3Pro draws air in from all sides, which is then filtered and expelled through the fan grilles on top.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid blocking the air inlets or outlets, as this could not only reduce the purifier’s efficiency but also potentially cause damage to the device.

Size and Dimensions

The AirFanta 3Pro has 12.6 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches (32 x 32 x 32 cm) and weighs 6 lb (2.7 kg).

Although it’s not a large or heavy air purifier, it can be a bit awkward to move around since it doesn’t have any carrying handles or slots to make transportation easier.

What You Will Get in the Box

The AirFanta 3Pro box includes four H11 HEPA filters, a plastic base, a top panel with four built-in fans, a power adapter, and basic instructions.

Some batches also include a Velcro strap for cable management.

Honestly, I was able to assemble the AirFanta without using the strap (it was included in my package).

Features Overview

As I’ve mentioned a few times in this review, the AirFanta 3Pro lacks features and includes only a single control button used to adjust the fan speed.

To be frank, I miss features like a filter reset indicator — but even more, I miss having a more intuitive and remote way to control the device, especially when it comes to fan speed settings.

This is something Adam Wong (the creator of the AirFanta) could consider adding in future versions of the device.

However, you can connect it to a smart plug, but it will only operate at one pre-set fan speed.

Room Coverage & CADR

This compact air purifier delivers an impressive CADR of 413 CFM (702 m³/h), meaning it effectively covers rooms up to 645 sq. ft. (60 m²) with 4.8 air changes per hour (ACH).

These numbers make the AirFanta 3Pro one of the best-performing air purifiers for large rooms that we’ve tested.

It can also clean the air twice per hour in a 1552 sq. ft. room. However, I strongly recommend using it only in spaces up to the size recommended for 4.8 ACH to ensure optimal performance.

FAQ on AirFanta 3Pro