Coway Airmega 100 Air Purifier – Hands-on Review

Full Review

Coway is known for producing exceptional air purifiers, with many of their models consistently featured on top air purifier review websites.

Even here on Air Purifier First, Coway ranks highly. One of their larger, older models, the Coway AP-1512HH, is one of the best air purifiers we’ve tested and is a product I frequently recommend to readers.

This time, I tested the Coway Airmega 100, the smallest air purifier in Coway’s product lineup.

This compact device has a CADR of 109 CFM (185 m³/h), effectively covers rooms up to 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²), uses a three-stage filtration technology, and is completely ozone-free.

Overall, reviewing the Airmega 100 was an exciting experience. It demonstrated outstanding performance, a well-optimized motor, and an impressive price-to-value ratio.

How We Tested the Coway Airmega 100?

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 Coway Airmega 100 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 Coway Airmega 100 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 Coway Airmega 100 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.

As I mentioned earlier, the Coway Airmega 100 is a small air purifier. It’s ideal for compact spaces such as bedrooms, offices, kids’ rooms, and similar areas.

With a CADR of 109 CFM (185 m³/h), it effectively covers rooms up to 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²) with an ACH of 4.8. This places it in the same range as some of the most popular air purifiers from competitive brands like Winix, Levoit, and Blueair. Honestly, I’m excited to compare the Airmega 100 to some of the top models from these competitors.

To evaluate its performance, we tested the Airmega 100 in two rooms of different sizes, measuring its effectiveness with the Temtop laser particle meter.

In addition to these tests, I also used the Airmega 100 in my home for some time. I found it to be highly effective at capturing airborne particles, but it lacks the power and efficiency needed to neutralize strong odors or cooking smells.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, we placed the Coway Airmega 100 in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, set it to its maximum speed, and measured air quality improvement using the Temtop laser particle meter.

After running for 60 minutes at maximum speed, the Airmega 100 reduced PM2.5 levels from 101.6 µg/m³ to 6.9 µg/m³, achieving an air quality improvement of approximately 93%.

Compared to similar air purifiers, it performed quite well. For instance, it delivered the same results as the Xiaomi 4 Compact. However, the Blueair 411 Auto and Levoit Core 300S performed slightly better, improving air quality in the same room by about 94%.

Overall, the Coway Airmega 100 is a high-quality air purifier that excelled in our particle removal test.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the second test, performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, which is significantly larger than the recommended size, the Coway Airmega 100 also produced impressive results.

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

This outcome highlights Coway’s high efficiency and excellent performance, demonstrating that the Airmega 100 can effectively handle slightly larger spaces than its recommended room size.

When discussing noise levels, the first thing I want to clarify is the number of fan speeds an air purifier has.

The Coway Airmega 100 features four fan speeds: sleep mode, speed 1, speed 2, and speed 3.

At the lowest speed (sleep mode), it produces a sound level of 40.3 dBA, an excellent result that ranks it among the quietest air purifiers available.

When compared to similar devices shown in the chart above, only the Winix A231 is slightly quieter, with a sound level of 40.2 dBA.

At maximum speed, the Coway Airmega 100 is also impressively optimized, producing just 60.9 dBA, which is one of the best results among all the air purifiers tested.

Overall, the Coway Airmega 100 is remarkably quiet at all speeds, especially in sleep mode, making it an ideal choice for bedroom use.

The Coway Airmega 100 features an optimized motor with a power consumption of just 25W.

This means that if you run it at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by only about $1.95. This is a minimal cost and one of the lowest among comparable air purifiers (refer to the chart for details).

For comparison, the Levoit Vital 100S would cost about $2.66 under the same conditions.

In addition to power consumption, there’s the cost of a replacement filter, which is reasonably priced considering it only needs to be replaced approximately once per year.

When we add up all these costs, it’s clear that the Coway Airmega 100 is relatively affordable to maintain annually.

Filtration Technology

The Coway Airmega 100 uses a cylindrical filter with three layers of filtration. The filter is located inside the bottom part of the device.

Coway states that the filter lasts approximately 12 months. However, based on experience, you may need to replace it at least twice within a year.

That said, the filter’s lifespan largely depends on the environment where the air purifier is used and how frequently and thoroughly it is maintained.

Overall, I’m positively surprised with the filter’s efficiency and performance, as demonstrated in our tests.

Pre-filter

The pre-filter operates as the first stage of filtration. It’s a nylon mesh attached directly to the HEPA filter.

Its primary purpose is to capture larger particles like pet hair, dust mites, and dander, which will extend the life of the main filter and improve overall filtration efficiency.

True HEPA Filter

The second filtration stage is the True HEPA filter, which is the main filtration layer of this air purifier.

This filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, smoke, pollen, allergens, bacteria, and similar pollutants.

The True HEPA filter is the most critical part of the filtration system and a key reason for the air purifier’s excellent performance in our particle removal tests.

Deodorization Filter

The final filtration stage is the deodorization filter, a fibrous filter coated with carbon.

While this filter isn’t nearly as effective as pellet-based carbon filters found in many other air purifiers, it does an okay job of adsorbing light smoke and unpleasant odors.

However, it’s not powerful enough to fully neutralize strong cooking odors or more intense smells.

How to Replace the Coway Airmega 100 Filter?

The Coway Airmega 100 uses a non-washable filter, which needs to be replaced periodically, typically once per year, as recommended by the manufacturer.

The air purifier has a filter replacement indicator located on the control panel, which lights up to notify you when it’s time to replace the filter.

The replacement process is simple and involves only a few easy steps.

Setup and Installation

The Coway Airmega 100 comes ready for use, but there is one crucial step you must complete before using it for the first time.

First, open the filter cover at the bottom of the device and remove the filter. Unwrap it from the plastic packaging, then place it back inside the device.

Next, place the air purifier in your desired location, ensuring it is at least 15 inches away from walls and other objects. Be careful not to block the airflow, as this could potentially damage the device.

Finally, plug it in and turn it on.

Design

The Coway Airmega 100 is a compact, rounded air purifier with okay plastic and build quality.

It is available in two colors: white and black. I bought the white version, but the black one is also quite attractive, and I might consider it next time.

One downside is the lack of carrying handles, which makes moving it between rooms a bit difficult.

The device consists of two main parts: the bottom part, where the filter, air inlets, and air quality sensor are, and the top part, which contains the motor and control panel.

Overall, the Coway Airmega 100 is a small, stylish air purifier that blends easily into almost any ambiance, no matter if you choose the white or black version.

LED Indicators and Controls

At the top of the device is a control panel that includes LED indicators and touch controls.

The panel includes buttons for fan speed, sleep mode, timer, light on/off, control panel lock, and the power button.

Additionally, there are several indicators: the filter reset indicator, fan speed indicator, timer indicator, and, of course, each button also acts as its own indicator.

The touch buttons are precise, easy to use, and well-organized. However, I would like the addition of a remote control or the option to connect with a smart app.

Airflow

The Airmega 100 is a cylindrical air purifier with air inlets located at the bottom of the device.

It pulls air in through these openings, filters it, and releases the purified air through the fan grilles at the top.

Size and Dimensions

This air purifier weighs 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) and has dimensions of 8.7 x 8.7 x 15.6 inches (22 x 22 x 39.5 cm).

It’s a lightweight and compact air purifier that you can easily place wherever you want.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Coway Airmega 100, you will get a 1x air purifier, 1x 3-in-1 True HEPA filter, and a user manual.

Features Overview

Although the Coway Airmega 100 lacks smart features, it still offers several advanced features that are highly useful.

These include a PM2.5 sensor, an air quality indicator, and an auto mode.

PM2.5 Sensor and Air Quality Indicator

The Coway Airmega 100 is equipped with a PM2.5 particulate matter sensor located on the side of the device, which detects PM2.5 particles in real-time.

This sensor operates in conjunction with other features: it displays the air quality data via the light indicator and works with the auto mode.

The air quality indicator changes color based on the detected air quality: purple for very poor air quality, orange for poor, green for moderate, and blue for good.

Auto Mode

In auto mode, the air purifier adjusts the fan speed based on the current concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter.

If the air is polluted, it will switch to the maximum speed. The fan will cycle between the first, second, and third speeds but doesn’t use sleep mode.

Sleep Mode

The sleep mode sets the air purifier to its quietest speed, on which it produces only 40.3 dBA, which is one of the quietest results among all the air purifiers we’ve tested.

Additionally, it reduces the brightness of the power and sleep mode buttons by 50%. The brightness of the timer and light buttons is also dimmed, but only if the timer is active at the time sleep mode is activated.

Night Light

The Coway Airmega 100 allows you to activate either the air quality indicator (AQI) light or the night light.

The night light is an excellent feature for bedroom use, providing a soft, warm yellow glow. However, if you’re using the air purifier in a living space, the AQI light might be more practical and functional.

To activate or deactivate the night light, simply press the light button on the control panel.

Control Panel Lock

This feature will lock all the settings and features and prevent any accidental change of the settings you set on your air purifier.

Timer

Since this air purifier lacks advanced timers and automation, the classic timer feature can be quite useful.

You can set the timer for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. Once the selected time has elapsed, the air purifier will automatically turn off.

Warranty

The Coway Airmmega 100 comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

This is a truly generous warranty, especially considering that many air purifiers offer no more than a 2-year warranty. I recommend registering your device on the Coway website to ensure your warranty is activated and valid.

FAQ on Coway Airmega 100