GoveeLife Mini Air Purifier Review – Is It Worth It?

Full Review

The GoveeLife Mini is another small air purifier and a direct competitor to many similar models I have tested and reviewed.

On the one hand, you get a fully smart device that works with the smart app, is reasonably priced, and offers features found in many more expensive devices.

But, on the other hand, it has a very small CADR of just 50 CFM (85 m³/h), is limited to small rooms, and uses a tiny filter.

We tested its performance, noise, and power use, but also analyzed all the specifications, features, and everything else that might affect a potential buyer’s decision.

How We Tested the GoveeLife Mini?

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 GoveeLife Mini 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 GoveeLife Mini 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 GoveeLife Mini 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 already said at the beginning of the review, the GoveeLife Mini is a small air purifier with a CADR of just 50 CFM (85 m³/h), which means it covers rooms of up to 78 sq. ft. (7.2 m²).

Based on its room coverage, we tested it in our two testing rooms, both of which are larger than the recommended size for this air purifier.

However, I also used the GoveeLife Mini in my home for some time, and what I noticed is that it lacks performance in odor and smoke neutralization, which I believe is due to a lack of a pellet-based carbon filter.

On the other hand, it performed reasonably well in a small bedroom and managed to reduce airborne dust particles and improve overall sleep quality, while being pretty quiet the entire time.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, in a room of 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), we let the GoveeLife Mini run for 60 minutes at the maximum speed.

It managed to improve air quality by 87%, which is a decent result considering its CADR and the fact that the room we tested it in is slightly larger than the recommended size.

In comparison with some similar devices, the GoveeLife Mini ranks slightly above the middle.

For example, the Coway Airmega 50 improved air quality by 92%, while the Morento MR2566 improved it by 82% in the same test.

While the GoveeLife Mini didn’t show the best performance in the class, I would say that it still did pretty well in this test.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, this time in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), which is much larger than the recommended size, we repeated the same testing procedure as we did in the previously mentioned test.

We placed the GoveeLife Mini in the testing room, left it working at the maximum speed for 60 minutes, and measured its performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.

The result: it managed to improve the air quality by 77%, which is an even weaker result than I expected, making it less suitable for rooms larger than the recommended size.

Although the GoveeLife Mini has four working modes, it only has three fan speeds: sleep, low, and high.

We tested its noise levels at each fan speed using a specialized noise measurement tool.

At the lowest speed (sleep mode), the GoveeLife Mini produces a sound of 40.1 dBA, which is in the range of some of the quietest air purifiers on the market.

In comparison, the Fulminare air purifier has a much smaller CADR but is louder at the lowest speed, producing a sound of 41.1 dBA.

At the maximum speed (high), the GoveeLife Mini produces a sound of 56.5 dBA, which is also quite impressive for its size.

Compared to similar air purifiers in this price range, it’s one of the best optimized for noise. Look at the chart above for a detailed comparison.

Overall, I would say that the GoveeLife Mini is well-optimized for noise.

These small devices are usually pretty energy-efficient; the same is true for the GoveeLife Mini.

It uses a motor of just 8W, meaning that if you were to use it 24 hours a day for one month, your electric power bill would increase by about $0.65, which is a pretty low cost.

In comparison, not many air purifiers would consume such a small amount of power. The MOOKA B-D02L would cost you about $1.32 under the same conditions, which represents much higher power consumption, but you should know that it also has a higher CADR.

Besides the power use, there is also the cost of a replacement filter, which should be replaced approximately every 6–8 months, or even sooner, depending on the environment in which you use the device.

All in all, I would say that the GoveeLife Mini is pretty well-optimized for power use and that it’s affordable for annual maintenance. However, I would have liked it to have a higher CADR.

Filtration Technology

The GoveeLife Mini uses a cylindrical filter that’s placed inside the bottom part of the device. It’s a 3-in-1 filter that includes three layers: pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter.

The filter is very small; I would say in the range of the Levoit Core Mini and Blueair Mini filters.

Still, it did pretty well in our performance tests. However, the one disadvantage of this small filter would be a slightly shorter filter life than the manufacturer claims.

Pre-filter

The first filtration stage of this air purifier is a nylon mesh pre-filter, whose main purpose is to trap large particles such as hair, lint, and fiber.

In that way, it will enhance the overall filtration efficiency but will also protect and prolong the life of the main HEPA filter.

HEPA Filter

The main filtration stage is the HEPA filter, whose main purpose is to capture small airborne particles such as pollen, airborne dust, mold spores, smoke, and similar.

I strongly believe that this filtration stage is the reason for the performance this air purifier has shown in our tests.

While the HEPA filter surface could be much larger, it’s enough for small spaces and for the CADR and room coverage this air purifier provides.

Carbon Filter

The last filtration stage is the carbon filter.

It’s simply a fibrous filter coated with carbon. It’s not a pellet-based carbon filter as seen in the most effective and top-notch air purifiers.

Not having a proper carbon filter is the main reason the GoveeLife Mini lacks performance in bad odor and smoke removal.

How to Replace the GoveeLife Mini Filter?

The filter replacement procedure is pretty straightforward and requires just a few steps.

What’s good is that this air purifier has a filter reset indicator that will let you know when it’s time to replace the filter.

It will usually happen every 6 to 8 months, but I would recommend checking the filter every few months and replacing it even sooner if you notice some bad smells or if it’s dirtier than it should be.

Also, cleaning the pre-filter every few weeks would be a good practice and would definitely prolong the filter’s life.

Installation and Setup

The GoveeLife Mini doesn’t require any special preparation before the first start. However, you must prepare the filter before using the device for the first time.

The procedure: separate the top and the bottom parts, pull out the filter, unwrap it from the plastic package, and put it back inside the device.

That’s all. Now, attach the power adapter to the device, plug it in, and turn it on.

I would also recommend avoiding blocking the air inlets and outlets, as that could damage the motor. So, move it from the walls, furniture, and other objects by at least 8 inches (20 cm).

Design

It’s a cylindrical air purifier with the filter placed inside the bottom part of the device, and the motor and controls inside/on the top part of the device.

It’s available in white or black. For the purpose of this review, I bought the white version.

The plastic is okay, and the build quality is pretty good for this type of device, I would say.

The GoveeLife Mini is a small and compact device that will easily fit into almost any home, but will fit best in small rooms such as kids’ rooms, bedrooms, or even small home offices.

Controls and Display

The GoveeLife Mini has a control panel on the top of the device that includes a one-touch button and LED indicators.

It only has a power button, which is used to change the fan speed, reset the WiFi, and reset the filter indicator.

Above the touch button, there are indicators for the current fan speed, the WiFi indicator, and the filter reset indicator.

Obviously, this is a simple air purifier without any advanced controls and indicators available through the control panel, but there is also a smart app through which you have slightly more control over the device.

Airflow

It’s a cylindrical air purifier that has openings for drawing air in located on the bottom part of the device.

The air enters through these openings, is filtered through the three-stage filtration technology, and exits through the grilles on the top.

Size and Dimensions

This small air purifier is 6.2 x 6.2 x 10.7 inches (15.8 x 15.8 x 27.3 cm), and it weighs 2.5 lb (1.13 kg).

I would like it to have carrying handles or slots for easier moving, but it’s a truly compact air purifier, so many users wouldn’t notice their absence in everyday use.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the GoveeLife Mini, you will get one air purifier, one pre-installed filter, aroma pads, a power adapter, a quick start guide, and a user manual.

Features Overview

Although the GoveeLife Mini is a smart air purifier, I wouldn’t say it has the features a smart air purifier must have.

Yes, you can connect it to the smart app and control it remotely, and you can also set some advanced settings through the app, but on the other hand, it doesn’t have an air quality sensor or auto mode features, which are two of the most important features of a smart air purifier, in my opinion.

Sleep Mode

The sleep mode is another feature that I like on this air purifier. When switching to this mode, the device will change the fan speed to the lowest one, but also dims all the lights on the device.

It’s a perfect feature for anyone who wants to use the device in a bedroom or a similar room.

Aroma Pad

This air purifier has an Aroma Pad feature, a simple addition of pads on which you can pour essential oils that are then spread into the air.

I have tried many air purifiers with this feature, and they all work the same way, with a small pad on which you pour the essential oil.

However, compared to a dedicated essential oil diffuser, the Aroma Pad feature can’t spread the smell as effectively. I also wrote an article on this topic, in which I deeply covered and compared these two technologies.

Warranty

The GoveeLife Mini comes with a 12-month warranty.

Govee Home App

The Govee Home is a smart app used for many different devices from the Govee ecosystem, not only air purifiers.

It works seamlessly, and the connecting procedure is simple and straightforward.

After you have successfully connected the GoveeLife Mini to the smart app, you will get access to some advanced features.

There, you will find an option for advanced scheduling of the device, as well as the option for manual mode.

Manual mode is one of the most interesting features of the smart app. It allows you to set the device to work on every setting for a predefined time.

Also, through the app, you will access the filter life data, the setting for turning the display on/off, and the setting for connecting the device to the voice controls and to the GoveeLife air quality monitor.

FAQ on GoveeLife Mini