IQAir HealthPro Plus (250) – In-Depth Review and Tests!

Full Review

The IQAir HealthPro Plus (HealthPro 250 in the EU) is a premium, Swiss-engineered air purifier that has been on the market for nearly three decades.

It features a high-quality three-stage filtration system, including the PreMax F8 pre-filter, the V5-Cell Gas and Odor Filter, and the HyperHEPA Filter rated at H12/H13.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus is one of the best air purifiers I have ever tested. At the same time, it is less appealing than most modern air purifiers I have tried, as it relies on design principles that were relevant 30 years ago but feel outdated today.

Still, I like IQAir’s initiative to modernize the lineup with the HealthPro Plus XE version, which adds a smart app, an improved display, and an upgraded control panel. These changes make the unit feel more modern and better suited to contemporary living spaces.

In this article, I will provide a detailed overview of its specifications, test results, and features, and help you decide whether it is worth buying.

How We Tested the IQAir HealthPro Plus?

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 IQAir HealthPro Plus 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 IQAir HealthPro Plus 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 IQAir HealthPro Plus 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.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a large air purifier, but its size is not fully justified by its CADR performance. The main reason is its use of multiple extremely dense filters, which significantly restrict airflow. As a result, despite having a powerful motor and large overall dimensions, the IQAir HealthPro Plus achieves a CADR of only 260 CFM (440 m³/h).

This CADR rating makes it suitable for rooms of up to 406 sq ft (37.7 m²). Based on this recommended room size, we tested its airborne particle removal performance in our predefined rooms.

In addition to our standard tests, I also used the IQAir HealthPro Plus at home for some time. During this time, I noticed that it’s not only highly effective at capturing airborne particles, but also one of the best air purifiers I have tested when it comes to neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In a test performed in a 320 sq ft (30 m²) room, we ran the IQAir HealthPro Plus for 60 minutes. During that time, this air purifier improved air quality by an impressive 96%.

What is particularly interesting is that it was able to maintain a very high level of air quality even after I reduced it to a lower fan speed.

Compared to the competition, the IQAir ranks at the very top as one of the highest-rated devices in our performance tests.

For example, the Levoit Core 400S and the Blueair 311i Max achieved very similar results in the same room.

However, this doesn’t mean they are more efficient than the IQAir. Instead, they use less-dense filters that allow greater airflow, resulting in higher airflow rates and faster air cleaning compared to the IQAir.

In the chart shown, you can also see several other devices that I compared with the IQAir.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus has six fan speeds. It doesn’t have an air quality sensor, which means it also lacks an auto mode.

We tested its performance at all speeds using a specialized noise measurement tool.

At the lowest speed, the IQAir HealthPro Plus produces a sound level of 40.7 dBA, which is quite good for such a large air purifier. In comparison, the Honeywell Air Genius 5 produces 45.2 dBA while offering a much lower CADR.

At the maximum speed, the IQAir HealthPro Plus reaches 64.3 dBA, which is also a good result considering the CADR it delivers.

For comparison, the Levoit Core 300S, a much smaller air purifier with a significantly lower CADR, produces 65.2 dBA at its maximum speed.

Overall, I would say that the IQAir HealthPro Plus is well optimized for noise.

However, it does produce a strange and noticeable sound at the highest speed, and to some extent at the fifth speed as well. This noise can be annoying and may bother many users.

Regarding power consumption, I would say that a rated motor power of 215W is too much for an air purifier, even for a large device like the IQAir HealthPro Plus.

At maximum speed, it consumes about 146.4W. This means that if you were to run it at full speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $12.83.

This makes it the highest power consumer among all the air purifiers I have tested. For comparison, the AirFanta 3Pro would cost about $2.89 under the same conditions while delivering a higher CADR, resulting in a much better CADR-to-power ratio.

You can easily compare its maximum power consumption with other models in the chart above.

In addition to electricity costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters. The pre-filter and carbon filter need to be replaced every 12 to 18 months, while the HyperHEPA filter typically lasts 3 to 4 years.

When all costs are taken into account, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is not particularly well optimized for annual maintenance. Not only is its initial purchase price high, but its ongoing yearly costs are also relatively expensive.

Filtration Technology

The IQAir HealthPro Plus uses a three-stage mechanical filtration system, which is among the most effective and competitive technologies available on the market.

This filtration setup removes airborne particles, gases, and odors with very high efficiency.

It doesn’t use an ionizer, UV light, or any similar technology that could potentially produce ozone as a byproduct.

The air purifier also uses a very large amount of filter media. In fact, the total filter surface area is comparable to that of dozens of small or medium-sized air purifiers combined.

PreMax F8 Filter

The first layer of defense is the pre-filter, whose primary purpose is to capture large particles. By doing so, it prolongs the lifespan of the main filter and improves overall filtration efficiency.

Thanks to this design, the main filter can last up to four years.

Notably, the pre-filter used in the IQAir HealthPro Plus is as effective as the HEPA filters found in some low-budget air purifiers.

V5-Cell Gas & Odor Filter

The second filtration stage is the V5-Cell gas filter, which is one of the strongest features of the HealthPro Plus.

It contains a large amount of activated carbon pellets combined with impregnated alumina, designed to adsorb odors, VOCs, and certain chemical gases.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus includes approximately 5 lb (2.27 kg) of carbon pellets inside the filter.

Unlike fibrous carbon filters or low-quality pellet-based carbon filters that typically contain less than 400 g of carbon, the V5-Cell gas filter provides a much longer contact time between the air and the sorbent media. This results in more effective and longer-lasting gas and odor filtration.

Because of this, the HealthPro Plus is particularly well suited for environments affected by cooking odors, cigarette smoke, or chemical off-gassing.

Among the other air purifiers I have tested, the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is the most comparable to the IQAir in terms of carbon pellet weight.

HyperHEPA H12/H13 Particle Filter

The final filtration stage is IQAir’s HyperHEPA particle filter, rated H12/H13 under the EN1822 standard.

This high-efficiency filter captures fine and ultrafine particles, including PM2.5, PM1, allergens, bacteria, and virus-carrying aerosols.

The HyperHEPA filter is tightly sealed into the purifier’s housing, which minimizes air leakage and ensures that nearly all air passing through the unit is effectively filtered.

Its dense construction delivers excellent particle removal efficiency while maintaining a longer service life than many standard HEPA filters.

The HyperHEPA filter is the most important filtration stage of this air purifier and is the key factor behind the IQAir HealthPro Plus delivering such strong performance in our tests.

How to Replace the IQAir HealthPro Plus (250) Filter?

The IQAir HealthPro Plus doesn’t use washable or permanent filters, and all filters inside the device need to be replaced periodically.

Typically, the pre-filter and carbon filter last about 12 to 18 months, while the HyperHEPA filter needs to be replaced approximately every 3 to 4 years.

The filter replacement procedure is slightly more demanding than with most other air purifiers I have tested and takes more time than expected.

However, it doesn’t require any special skills and can be completed in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Setup and Installation

This large air purifier requires some preparation before its first startup.

The most important step is to check and prepare the filters, which involves disassembling the entire unit.

After that, if you want to make it easier to move the device from one room to another, it’s a good idea to attach the wheels on the bottom. This allows for smooth and effortless movement across the floor and reduces the need to lift this heavy and bulky unit.

The final step is to connect the power cord, plug the unit into a power outlet, and turn it on.

That’s it. Your IQAir HealthPro Plus is ready to use.

Design

When it comes to design, it is obvious at first glance that IQAir uses a very outdated and not modern aesthetic.

The build quality is also not especially impressive, and this is another area where noticeable improvements could have been made.

Over time, the plastic tends to fade and turn yellow. However, the most important thing is that it doesn’t crack, so the overall durability remains acceptable.

What I would definitely change is a full modernization of the design. Even though this look has been around for almost three decades, I believe that updating this model would only be beneficial.

For comparison, take a look at the IQAir Atem X. This newer model from the brand follows many modern design trends seen in today’s air purifiers, although it falls short in some other areas when compared to the HealthPro Plus.

Controls and Indicators

This air purifier features a control panel made up of physical buttons and a display located on the top of the unit.

In addition, the device comes with a remote controller that allows for easier operation from a distance.

The controls include buttons for power on and off, switching fan speeds, menu navigation, and an enter button.

Besides the buttons, there are indicator lights on the right side that show when it is time to replace the filters.

Overall, in my opinion, these controls feel somewhat outdated. I honestly think they are stuck in the past, and that moving toward smart features, meaning connectivity with a smart app, would be a logical next step for IQAir.

Airflow

Air enters the device through the openings at the bottom.

It is then filtered and released through the openings at the top.

Instead of directing airflow in a single direction, the outlet disperses the air upward and outward in an approximately 320° pattern.

Size and Dimensions

The IQAir HealthPro Plus size is 28 x 15 x 16 inches (71 x 38 x 41 cm), and it weighs 35 lb (15.8 kg).

It’s a large air purifier that is not easy to move, but fortunately, it comes with wheels that make moving it from room to room much easier.

What’s in the box?

When purchasing the IQAir HealthPro Plus, you get one unit with pre-installed filters, a power cable, a remote control, a certificate of performance, a user manual, filter life information, and wheels.

The wheels are packed separately and need to be attached by the user.

Features Overview

Generally speaking, the IQAir HealthPro Plus doesn’t offer a wide range of advanced features.

It is a classic air purifier that lacks smart functionality, except in the HealthPro Plus XE version. It also doesn’t include an air quality sensor and doesn’t offer an auto mode.

Timer

The IQAir HealthPro Plus includes a built-in programmable timer that allows the air purifier to automatically turn on and off at predefined times each day.

Unlike the simple countdown timers found on many modern air purifiers, IQAir uses a schedule-based timer. This means you define a daily operating window rather than setting a one-time duration.

Once programmed, the air purifier repeats the same schedule every day, making it ideal for predictable routines, such as running overnight, during work hours, or only when the room is typically occupied.

ON and OFF periods

The timer is divided into two parts: a Timer ON period and a Timer OFF period.

During the ON period, the device runs at a fan speed of your choice, allowing you to balance performance and noise. During the OFF period, you can either turn the unit completely off or set it to operate at a different, usually lower, fan speed.

This approach offers more flexibility than a basic on and off timer. For example, you can run the air purifier at a high speed for several hours to aggressively clean the air, then keep it running quietly at a low speed afterward, or turn it off entirely until the next scheduled cycle.

Programming and daily use

The timer is programmed directly from the control panel or the remote control by setting the start time, stop time, and fan speeds.

Once activated, the timer operates automatically in the background.

When the unit is in standby mode, the display shows the next scheduled start time, making it easy to see when the purifier will turn on again.

There is no smart app or sensor-based automation on the standard HealthPro Plus (250), so the timer does not respond to changes in air quality.

Filter Reset Indicator

IQAir uses advanced filter reset indicators, with a separate indicator for each filter.

These small LED indicators are located on the right side of the unit and illuminate when it is time to replace a specific filter.

In addition, the display allows you to check the estimated remaining lifespan of each filter at any time. The filter life timers can also be reset directly through the display.

Remote Control

Although the IQAir HealthPro Plus doesn’t have a smart app, it comes with a remote control that allows you to operate the device from a distance.

Using the remote, you can adjust the fan speed and set the timer on the unit.

Warranty

IQAir offers a warranty of up to 10 years, which is excellent for this type of device.

Although the unit comes with a standard 1-year warranty in the US market, you can extend the warranty to 10 years by registering the product.

This extended warranty applies only when the device is used for residential purposes.

IQAir Smart App (HealthPro Plus XE Only)

Frankly, I didn’t have the opportunity to use the IQAir smart app because, for testing purposes, I bought the HealthPro Plus model rather than the HealthPro Plus XE.

However, based on the specifications and available materials, the app appears to function as a remote control, allows you to monitor air quality, and offers plenty of advanced settings and automation options.

Overall, I’m glad that IQAir has taken steps toward modernization and that, in addition to offering some of the most efficient filters on the market, it now provides the option to connect the device to a smart app.

FAQ on IQAir HealthPro Plus