Coway Airmega 50 Review – Worth Buying?

Full Review

Coway has made a clear move into the cylindrical air purifier category, especially considering that it previously had very few models in this category.

I recently tested the Coway Airmega 100, and this time I’ll be taking a closer look at its smaller sibling, the Coway Airmega 50.

At first glance, these two models look nearly identical, which is partly true. The most significant differences come down to CADR, size, and filter dimensions.

Although the Coway Airmega 50 is a compact air purifier, it serves a clear purpose and targets a well-defined group of users.

How We Tested the Coway Airmega 50?

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 50 in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Coway Airmega 50 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 50 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.

With a CADR of 66.7 CFM (113.3 m³/h), the Coway Airmega 50 is best suited for spaces up to 104 sq. ft. (9.7 m²). In a room of the recommended size, it can deliver 4.8 air changes per hour.

We tested its airborne particle removal performance in two rooms of different sizes.

Additionally, I used the Coway Airmega 50 in my place for some time to evaluate its real-world performance.

What I noticed is that while it performs well in removing airborne particles, especially dust, it’s less effective at neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, we ran the Coway Airmega 50 at maximum speed for 60 minutes. We used a Temtop laser particle meter to measure its performance.

The device improved air quality by 92%, which is a very solid result. It reduced PM2.5 levels from 102.8 µg/m³ to just 8 µg/m³.

This is an excellent outcome and places the Airmega 50 among the top performers in its class, see the chart below.

For comparison, the Levoit Core Mini improved air quality by 91% in the same test, while the MOOKA B-D02L achieved an 87% improvement.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, which is slightly larger than the recommended, the Coway Airmega 50 also delivered pretty good performance.

While operating at maximum speed for 60 minutes, it managed to improve the air quality by 90%.

Considering the room size, it’s fair to conclude that the Coway Airmega 50 performed very well in our airborne particle removal tests.

The Coway Airmega 50 has four fan speeds, including sleep mode, and I must say it is very well optimized for noise levels.

We measured noise output at all speeds using a specialized sound level meter.

At the lowest speed, the Coway Airmega 50 produces just 40 dBA, which is one of the best results in its class. For comparison, the Levoit Core 200S generates 42.1 dBA at its lowest speed.

At maximum speed, the Airmega 50 reaches only 57.1 dBA, which is also an excellent result.

Overall, I would consider the Coway Airmega 50 one of the best-optimized air purifiers for noise. For this reason, I would recommend it for bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and similar.

Regarding power consumption, the first thing worth noting is that the Coway Airmega 50 uses a motor of just 14W.

We measured its power usage at all fan speeds. And, if you were to run the Coway Airmega 50 at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity cost would increase by approximately $1.01, which is very low.

For comparison, under the same conditions, the Shark NeverChange would cost about $2.24.

However, beyond power consumption, there is also the cost of replacement filters. The Airmega 50’s filter is rated to last up to eight months, but it’s slightly more expensive than filters for many competing models.

While the device is highly energy-efficient, the higher filter cost makes the Coway Airmega 50 somewhat more expensive to maintain than similar air purifiers in its class.

Filtration Technology

This air purifier uses a three-stage filtration technology, consisting of a Pre-Filter, HyperCaptive Filter, and Deodorization Filter.

The filter is cylindrical and is located in the bottom part of the device.

The Coway Airmega 50 doesn’t have an ionizer, UV-C light, or any similar technology that could potentially produce ozone as a byproduct.

As a result, the Coway Airmega 50 is completely safe to use.

Pre-filter

The first filtration stage is the pre-filter, which is a nylon mesh attached to the main filter.

Although it’s not washable, it should be cleaned from time to time.

The primary purpose of the pre-filter is to capture larger airborne particles, such as hair, pet hair, and larger dust particles. By doing so, it also helps extend the lifespan of the main filter.

HyperCaptive Filter

The second filtration stage is the HyperCaptive filter, which is the primary and most important filtration layer in this air purifier.

This filter is designed to capture fine airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, smoke, and similar.

According to Coway’s specifications, the HyperCaptive filter can capture up to 99.999% of particles as small as 0.01 microns.

While the HyperCaptive filter isn’t classified as a True HEPA filter, it still delivers very strong filtration performance, particularly considering the price range of the Coway Airmega 50.

Deodorization Filter

The final filtration stage is the deodorization filter, designed primarily to reduce unpleasant odors.

This is a basic carbon-coated filter rather than a pellet-based activated carbon filter, which means its odor-neutralizing performance is lower.

In our odor removal tests, it didn’t deliver powerful results. So, if odor control is your primary concern, there are more suitable air purifiers available.

How to Replace the Coway Airmega 50 Filter?

The Coway Airmega 50 doesn’t use washable filters, so you would need to replace the filters from time to time.

While the filter is rated to last up to eight months, the actual lifespan may vary depending on usage and air quality conditions.

A helpful feature is the built-in filter reset indicator, which notifies you when it’s time to replace the filter.

The replacement procedure itself is simple and requires only a few steps.

Setup and Installation

When it comes to the initial setup, there isn’t much to do, as the Coway Airmega 50 comes mostly ready for first use.

However, you will need to prepare the filter before turning the device on.

Simply open the filter cover at the bottom of the unit, remove the filter, take off the protective plastic wrap, and reinstall the filter.

That’s it. Your Coway Airmega 50 is now ready to work. Place it in your desired location, plug it in, and turn it on.

Design

This is a classic cylindrical air purifier that looks like many similar models on the market.

However, the Coway Airmega 50 includes a few details that help it stand out from competing devices. One of these is the night light / air quality indicator on the top, which serves as an appealing design element and a practical feature.

The build quality is solid for this category of product. But one feature I do miss is a dedicated carrying slot or handle. However, since the unit is lightweight and portable, moving it between rooms is still easy.

Overall, the Coway Airmega 50 should fit well in almost every home.

Controls and Indicators

At the top of the device, there is a control panel featuring touch controls and LED indicators.

The touch buttons are well arranged and responsive.

You will find controls for power, timer, sleep mode, fan speed, control panel lock, filter reset, and night light/AQI light control.

Each button includes a indicator that clearly shows when a feature is active. There are also indicators for selected fan speed and timer.

The air quality indicator is positioned just below the top fan openings.

Airflow

The Coway Airmega 50 has air intake openings located around the bottom part of the device.

Air is drawn in through these openings, passes through the filtration layers, and is then released through the openings on the top.

Size and Dimensions

This is a compact and lightweight air purifier. The Coway Airmega 50 measures 6.7 × 6.7 × 12.6 inches (17 × 17 × 32 cm) and weighs just 3.4 lbs (1.6 kg).

What’s in the box?

When purchasing the Coway Airmega 50, you will get the device, a 3-in-1 filter, and a user manual.

Features Overview

Although the Coway Airmega 50 is a simple, almost minimalistic air purifier, it still comes with some useful features.

Below, I’ll highlight some of the most important ones.

Air Quality Sensor and Air Quality Indicator

One of the most notable features of this air purifier is the built-in air quality sensor.

It monitors air quality in real time and works in combination with some other features: auto mode and air quality indicator.

The sensor is positioned on the back of the unit, where you can see small openings used for air intake. As you can see in the image, the air quality sensor is hard to access, which makes periodic cleaning much more complicated than, for example, cleaning the sensor on the Coway AP-1512HH.

Air quality readings are displayed via the AQI light located just below the top fan openings. The indicator changes color depending on the current air quality. Refer to the table below for a detailed explanation of the color codes.

Color	Value
Blue	Good (Clean air)
Green	Moderate (Light pollution)
Yellow	Unhealthy (High pollution)
Red	Very Unhealthy (Severe pollution)

Coway also allows you to turn off the air quality indicator or switch it to a night light instead of displaying air quality colors.

Auto Mode

The air quality sensor also works in combination with the auto mode.

When operating in auto mode, the Coway Airmega 50 automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the current air quality.

If the air is more polluted, the device increases the fan speed. When the air quality improves, it reduces the fan speed.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is another useful feature, especially if you plan to use the device in a bedroom or similar spaces.

When active, the air purifier automatically switches to the lowest fan speed and dims the indicators.

Night Light

The night light provides a pleasant ambient glow and can be used instead of the air quality indicator.

You can choose to enable the night light or the air quality indicator, depending on your preference, simply by touching the light bulb button.

Control Panel Lock

This feature allows you to lock the control panel, which prevents accidental changes to the selected settings.

It’s especially useful in households with small children.

Timer

The timer is a useful feature that allows you to set how long the device should operate before automatically turning off.

You can choose between 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours.

Warranty

The Coway Airmega 50 includes a standard 1-year warranty, along with a limited 3-year warranty covering the motor.

FAQ on Coway Airmega 50