Blueair 411 Air Purifier Review: Affordable & Sleek

The Blueair 411 is a minimalistic air purifier with a washable pre-filter, low power usage, good price, and excellent performance.

Our Verdict

Performance

9.3

Noise

9.1

Operating cost

9.2

Value for money

9.3

Ease of use

9.7

9.3/10

RATING

The Blueair 411 is a small air purifier with minimal options, equipped with a three-stage filtration technology with the addition of HEPASilent technology.

It covers rooms of up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) and will clean the air 4.8 times in such a room. The Blueair 411 is the smallest air purifier in Blueair’s Blue Pure series and was the first device I tested from this company.

Generally, this is one of the best small air purifiers I have tested; it’s in the range of the legendary Levoit Core 300S, and it’s one of the best air purifiers for small rooms.

I like its washable pre-filter and high-quality particle filter, but I would like it if it had a better carbon filter. Also, I would like it to have some advanced features or smart ones, as we saw on the improved version of this model, the Blueair 411 Auto, which has an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode features.

The Blueair 411 is CARB certified, meaning it’s safe to use and doesn’t produce unallowed amounts of ozone.

What we really like?

  • The Blueair 411 is a minimalistic air purifier, very stylish, and I’m sure it will fit into almost any environment.

  • It covers rooms of 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) and will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in such a room.

  • The Blueair 411 uses a three-stage filtration technology with an addition of HEPASilent technology.

  • This air purifier performed outstandingly in tests, especially in a 194 sq. ft. room, which improved the air quality by about 95%.

  • A motor of just 10W makes the Blueair 411 one of the most energy-efficient air purifiers out there. It’s Energy Star certified.

  • It’s very quiet at low speeds, which is why I would recommend it for bedrooms.

What could be better?

  • Its HEPASilent technology produces small amounts of ozone, but the CARB certificate confirms the Bleuair 411 is safe to use and doesn’t produce ozone above the allowed amounts.

  • It lacks advanced features, which may be a big disadvantage in today’s smart world.

Specifications

Manufacturer Blueair
Model Blue Pure 411
Dimensions (inches / cm) 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm)
Filtration Technology Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter
Filter Life 6-8 months
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 161 sq. ft. (15 m²)
Number of Fan Speeds 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3
Noise Level (low – high) 40.6 – 67.5 dBA
Efficiency Test 95% in a 194 sq. ft. room
Power Consumption 10W
Warranty 2-year
User Manual PDF

Smoke Test Performance

Blueair 411 Air Purifier - Smoke Test
Blueair 411 needed only 20s to remove all the smoke from the smoke box. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Full Review

Blueair Blue Pure 411 is characterized by its unique design and simple, easy-to-use features. Blueair, as a company, is well-known all over the world. They operate in over 60 countries. The founder of the company is from Sweden, and his goal is to create the best air purifier in the world.

The unique compact design makes Blueair 411 an exciting choice. You can quickly move it from room to room, and its simple design allows it to fit in almost any environment.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 - Air Purifier Review
I have placed the Blueair 411 on a small desk in my living room. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Blueair 411 uses a three-stage filtration system consisting of a fabric pre-filter, particle filter, and carbon filter. Besides, it has HEPASilent technology as the fourth stage of filtration, which is basically an ionizer.

I recommend Blueair 411 to anyone who likes the combination of minimalism and excellent performance and who is looking for a highly effective air purifier at a reasonable price.

Design

The most exciting part of the design is the fabric pre-filter, which can be bought in various colors. You can get a black fabric filter, and then you will have a black and white air purifier, which are colors that can be used in any room.

 However, if you love to use wild colors, there are many to choose from. Dark Shadow and Diva Blue are usually shipped by default, but if you like, you can order other colors separately, like Buff Yellow, Crystal Pink, or Lunar Rock. 

Blueair Blue Pure 411 - Fabric Pre-Filter (Dark Shadow).
Blueair Blue Pure 411 – Fabric Pre-Filter (Dark Shadow). Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The construction of Blueair 411 is well done and reminds me of a Bluetooth speaker. On the top are holes for better airflow, and in the middle is one big button. The button is used to control everything about the Blue Pure 411. Airflow is excellent, thanks to 360-degree air suction. As well on all sides, you will find the Blueair logo, which proves that the company wants you to know that they are very proud of their product. 

Blueair Blue Pure 411 air purifier is light, which allows you to move it from one room to another easily. As already mentioned, the cylindrical shape allows this air purifier to blend in any room. And it will enable you to use it in any part of the room, no matter how little space you have. 

Because of its small size, the filter is almost all over the construction, which in return gives a higher performance at removing unwanted pollution. Small size is also disadvantaged because if you have little kids, they may bump the device and flip it over. The good news is that on the bottom is a grip that keeps the air purifier stable.

One Button For Ultimate Control

There is only one button on the air purifier, and with that button, everything is controlled. Some people may think that there is an app or Wi-Fi connectivity that gives you additional features, but there is no. Blue Pure 411 is simple to use, and there is no magic behind it. You turn it on, and it works; what else do you need?

Blueair Blue Pure 411 - Touch Button
There is just one touch button located on the top of the Blueair. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Some people may find lights on the air purifier disturbing during the night. You can contact Blueair directly and ask for NightCap. It is a little sticker that covers the lights.

Blue Pure 411 has 3 fan speeds. To start the air purifier, push the button. Push it again, and it will start working at the second speed. With one more push, the air purifier will use maximum speed to filter air. To shut it down, click the button again after the maximum speed mode. 

I must say that I was a bit disappointed because there is no beep on the button push. However, the light around the button is strong enough, and you will notice a change in the speed.

On the other hand, it has an auto-start feature. This feature means that if there is a power outage or if you use the power switch timer, you can automatically start the air purifier. As soon as there is power, the air purifier will start to work. Besides, Blue Pure 411 will work ideally with a smart air plug.

Not pressing the button for 5 seconds will dim all lights on the air purifier. With the next push on the button, the light will come back. Speed will not change when the lights are off. First, you need to bring them back, and then the next push on the button will change the speed.

Size and Dimensions

Blueair 411 is lightweight and has only 3.35 lb. It is one of the lightest air purifiers on the market. There is no handle on it, so you may think it will be hard to move, but the lightweight allows you to take it with you everywhere you go easily. Thanks to its small dimensions (16.7 x 8 x 8 inches), it can easily be put on a table, desktop, cabinet, or any other small piece of furniture.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 needs to be placed four inches from the wall or any other object to provide unobstructed airflow. Kids need to be careful with this device because they may push fingers in the holes on the air purifier and hurt themselves that way.

Accessories and Parts

Once you buy Blueair 411 in the package, you will get the air purifier, particle filter, and carbon filter, fabric filter (Diva Blue), as well an additional fabric filter (Dark Shadow), user manual, and of course warranty card.

Room Coverage and CADR

Thanks to the 360-degree airflow and brilliant motor performances, Blue Pure 411 can change the air 5 times in one hour if it runs in a room that is 161 sq. ft. large.

It has excellent CADR scores. Below is a table with the Clean Air Delivery Rates.

Smoke 105 CFM (180 m3/h)
Dust 120 CFM (200 m3/h)
Pollen 120 CFM (200 m3/h)

Features Overview

Removes Odors

Thanks to a carbon filter that is covering almost all parts of the air purifier, the odor will be removed at rapid speed. It would be better if it has an activated carbon filter, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have one. Blue Pure 411 uses a fibrous carbon filter for filtering gases instead of an activated carbon filter that contains pellets.

Removes 99% of Particles

Blueair Blue Pure 411 is tested, and it can remove 99% of particles down to PM 2.5. Smoke, bacteria, dust, mold, pet dander, cooking odors, viruses, pollen, and other pollution that is hovering in the air can be removed with the Blueair 411.

Low Energy Consumption

Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier Product
Blue Pure 411 is simple to use and features a unique design. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Believe it or not, Blue Pure 411 only uses 10W of energy when it is on the highest setting. Many old devices use that energy on standby.

Automatic Start

Blue Pure 411 doesn’t have an integrated automatic work or timer, but with a smart plug, you can create your own timer. You can do that because as soon as the air purifier gets power, it will start working, which allows automatic work and a timer.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 remembers last fan speed, and if there is a power outage, it will continue its work as soon as the power comes back at the same speed.

Warranty

The warranty on Blueair products is decent; you will get a one or two-year warranty. However, if you register your product on the Blueair website, you will get an additional warranty.

Easy Filter Change

Filters can be easily replaced by anyone, no need for a tech-savvy to help you. Instructions are simple, and everyone can do it.

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Filtration Technology

As already said, Blue Pure 411 uses a three-stage filtration system. The pre-filter is a simple fabric that is easily replaced. It is also washable, and if you like, you can buy additional fabric filters to match your room style.

Particle and carbon filters are combined together and are used to remove particles and odors.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 - Filter Replacement
I have disassembled Blueair’s filters and placed them on the small desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Particle + Carbon Filter

I must say from the start that the filter that Blue Pure 411 uses is not a True HEPA filter since it removes 99% of airborne particles, and to be certified as a True HEPA filter, it needs to remove 99.97%.

The carbon filter is good enough and can remove nasty odors in a decent time.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 Particle Filter

The ability to change pre-filter and match it to the style of your room is great benefit of this Blueair air purifier.

Check Filter Price On Amazon

Pre-filter

A pre-filter is essential, and its job is to catch large particles that may represent trouble to fine filters. Pre-filter in Blue Pure 411 is unique, it is easily replaceable, washable and you can buy additional ones in various colors. You can even use a vacuum cleaner on it. You will notice dust on the pre-filter, and as soon as you see it is too dirty, you can clean it. 

Pre-filter is not replaceable; it is washable. As soon as you see, it has dirt, clean it.

How to Change the Blue Pure 411 Filter in 6 Easy Steps?

Filter changing is easy and is one of the great features of the Blue Pure 411 air purifier. The filter replacement usually depends on how often you use the air purifier and how bad the quality of your room is. You can wait for a red light to let you know that the filter needs replacement, or you can replace it after 6 to 8 months, which is a recommended time for a replacement. 

Before starting with the filter changing process for the Blue Pure 411, you need to make sure the air purifier is not attached to the power.

Total Time: 10 minutes

Remove the top cylinder

Remove the top cylinder off by rotating it counterclockwise.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Remove the top cylinder

Remove the fabric filter

Remove the fabric filter (pre-filter). After taking off the pre-filter, use your vacuum cleaner to remove the particles, or wash it in the washing machine.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Remove the fabric filter

Remove the particle and carbon filter

Remove the particle and carbon filter. Do it by removing the filter shelf and pulling the the particle and carbon filter upwards.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Remove the particle and carbon filter

Place a new filter in

Place a new filter. Take the plastic bag off a new filter, and place the new filter.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Place a new filter in

Prepare the air purifier for work

Prepare the air purifier for work. Return the filter shelf and pre-filter, and return a top cylinder on the top by rotating it clockwise.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Prepare the air purifier for work

Reset the filter changing indicator

Reset the filter changing indicator. Hold the button for 5 seconds to reset the filter replacement timer. When the color changes from red to white, you are sure that you did everything well.

Changing Blue Pure 411 Filter - Reset the filter changing indicator

Noise Test

I have tested Blue Pure 411 noise levels at different fan speeds. The air purifier has three fan speeds. The third speed is loud and generates weird noise. It is hard to listen to that noise level for a longer time. The second speed is much better.

However, at the first speed, the noise level is as low as it gets, and you won’t even notice it. At first speed, you can easily use it in the bedroom. In the table below, you can see noise results. In my opinion, the Blueair should reduce motor noise levels, because it’s too loud at the highest speed.

Speed Value (dBA)
Speed 1 40.6 dBA
Speed 2 54.5 dBA
Speed 3 67.5 dBA

Performance Tests

I did performance tests as well. This low-energy-consuming air purifier did a decent job in some of the tests. I did experiments in different room sizes.

The recommended room size for the Blue Pure 411 is 161 square feet, with 5 air changes per hour. On the third speed, performance is best, but so is the noise.

Blueair Blue Pure 411 Performance Test
I used the Temtpop laser particle meter to test Blueair’s performance. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Airflow is strong and fluctuates from 35 to 120 CFM depending on the speed. In all tests, I used the third speed. At that speed, dust from the room will be gone fast, and in only a few days, you will notice there is less dust in the room. These tests I did were real-life tests, and I did not do any lab tests.

For best results, start it on third speed and let it run for some time, after that you can switch it to the first speed.

194 sq. ft. Room Test

This room is a bit larger than the recommended one. But still, the device did a great job. In only one hour, it dropped AQI from 133 to 6. That means the air quality was improved by 95%. I let it run for a longer time, and AQI was additionally dropped. Air quality was stable after that, and there were no signs of air pollution increase.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 101.5 4.2
PM 10 142.1 5.9
Particles 147248 6183
AQI 133 6

320 sq. ft. Room Test

Double the size of the recommended room; I was skeptical about what this little device could do. But Blueair Blue Pure 411 shows no mercy to pollution and reduced AQI from 131 to 13, which is 90% better air quality.

I must say that the test was done at the third speed; at the first speed, the results were not so good.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 99.8 10
PM 10 139.7 14
Particles 144743 14540
AQI 131 13

Operating Costs

It uses so little energy that it is better to stay on than to shut it down. The maximum energy consumption is 10W. On first speed, it uses only 0.6W. Standby consumes 0.3W. Your energy bill will stay the same even if you run it all the time.

If used in the bedroom, it will drastically improve sleep quality.

In other words, if you run it for 24h and 30 days, you will pay less than a dollar. Without a doubt, the Blue Pure 411 air purifier deserved the Energy Star certificate. The highest operating cost is filter replacement.

Energy consumption is a valuable factor when choosing an air purifier. Other than this Blueair air purifier, there are many different air purifiers you can look for, such as Levoit Vista 200 and Airdog X3, that consume less energy than the average air purifier consumes.

Speed Power Usage (W)
Standby 0.3W
Speed 1 0.6W
Speed 2 2.4W
Speed 3 7.6W

FAQ About Blueair 411

Does Blueair 411 produce ozone?

No, it doesn’t. It doesn’t have an ionizer or any other filtration type that could produce ozone.

Can you leave the Blue Pure 411 working at night?

Yes, you can leave it at night. I suggest you use a NightCap if you want to use an air purifier during the night. That is a little sticker that covers the lights.

How long do the Blue Pure 411 filters last?

It could last up to 8 months, but it depends on how often you use the air purifier. Anyway, you should change it between 6 to 8 months.

Does Blue Pure 411 use a True HEPA filter?

No, it uses the HEPA filter instead. No, it uses the HEPA filter instead. Although it doesn’t use a True HEPA filter, it will remove 99% of particles down to PM 2.5.

Does Blueair 411 have an ionizer?

Yes! I got a confirmation from Blueair’s support that all their air purifiers use HEPASilent technology, which means they all have a built-in ionizer. But, the good thing is that this model is CARB certified.

7 responses to “Blueair 411 Air Purifier Review: Affordable & Sleek”

  1. Roger

    Hi Milan
    I’ve been looking at the Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air
    Purifier, this is for a small room 9×12 and getting rid of cigarette odor “I
    smoke 5 to 6 cigarettes a day sometimes more” can you possibly let me know if this
    Blueair will keep my room odor free, I found the price reasonable and
    with the charcoal filter + Hepa should do the trick you input would much
    appreciated..Thanks

    • Milan Antonic

      Hi Roger,
      It should do the trick, but the problem is that Blueair’s carbon filters can’t absorb a huge amount of carbon. The 5-6 cigarettes are not too much, but they will definitely lower the longevity of the filters.

  2. Blueair Pure 411

    Hey, the UK sold version (as of 19/10/21) states in the manual it uses HepaSilent technology and the manual also includes a schematic of the 411 unit which shows the ionizer placement, but also states that it removes Ozone as well. I now have 5 of these in the house and hoping for some cleaner air! Thanks for writing the review and testing. It would be interesting if you could update with what appears to be the !newer version! with HepaSilent. Oh, it apparently now removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 micron,

  3. air filters

    Hello Milan! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on blue air 411 air purifier. It is very helpful for me because I am planning to buy a good air purifier for home. Keep writing!

  4. James Hostler

    Your FAQ states that it definitely does not produce ozone as it has no ion function. Just to confirm.. the reason that this device claims such a high filtration without a true hepa filter is because it uses a combination of silent hepa tech and de ioniser which you claim it doesn’t. This is not hidden and is well advertised on all selling sites including bluair site. It has however passed tests which show it may actually reduce ozone.

    The review also mentions it ships with two pre filters. On buying one it comes with the diva blue pre-filter only and I confirmed this with bluair whose customer support is actually great. The 211 model comes with both filter colours as standard.

    • Milan Antonic

      The company is not transparent on this topic. I contacted them via email and Facebook, but I didn’t get the answer to the question. Anyway, I also looked for where they claim that the Blue Pure 411 uses HEPASilent technology, but I didn’t find it anywhere.

      If you own the Blue Pure 411 unit, you can read the user manual and try to find anything related to HEPASilent technology, but I bet there is no word on that topic.

      I am not sure where you purchased the unit, but I bought mine Blueair 411 a year ago in the US and, it did come with two pre-filters. There are probably a few different versions of packages, and, depending on the country they send it to, you will get one or two pre-filters. This is just my opinion, so please don’t take me for granted. Anyway, you can always take advantage of the warranty/refund policy and ask for a replacement device if you have not received everything you have to.

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