Philips 2000 Series (AC2887) Air Purifier – Hands-on Review

An old but highly efficient air purifier that is still worth buying. In this article, I provide a detailed review of the Philips 2000 (AC2887) air purifier.

Our Verdict

Performance

9.3

Noise

9.6

Operating cost

9.1

Value for money

8.9

Ease of use

9.0

9.2/10

RATING

The Philips 2000 (AC2887) is a top-tier air purifier featuring three-stage filtration technology, advanced options, excellent performance, and a well-optimized motor.

Frankly, if I found a good deal, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this air purifier.

It made pretty good results in our performance tests. In a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, it improved air quality by 94%. It also did it pretty well in our smoke test.

However, you should know that the availability of replacement filters is limited in some markets, so please check this before buying the Philips 2000 air purifier.

If you have any questions about this Philips air purifier, feel free to leave a comment below.

What do we really like?

  • Excellent performance in tests. In a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, it improved air quality by 94% in just 60 minutes of operation.

  • Additionally, it demonstrated solid performance in neutralizing bad odors, most likely due to its high-quality pellet-based carbon filter.

  • Although it lacks smart features, it includes an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator, a display showing PM2.5 particle levels, and an auto mode.

  • It works very quietly and produces only 40.3 dBA of noise at the lowest speed setting.

  • It uses a well-optimized motor and is not a high-energy consumer.

  • The HEPA filter in this air purifier lasts up to two years on average, which is a huge benefit.

What could be better?

  • I believe that an air purifier in this price range should have smart features, e.g., a smart app.

  • A device of this size definitely must have a higher CADR.

Specifications

ManufacturerPhilips
Model2000 Series (AC2887)
Dimensions (inches / cm)14.1 x 9.4 x 22 inches (35.9 x 24 x 55.8 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)16.9 lb (7.7 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)196 CFM (333 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, NanoProtect HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorYes
Filter Lifeup to 24 months
Number of Fan Speeds5 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Speed 4
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Air Quality IndicatorYes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App No
Voice Control No
Other FeaturesTimer
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 306 sq. ft. (28.4 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 56W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)40.3 – 61.2 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Smoke
Dust
Warranty2-year

Full Review

Philips is one of the largest manufacturers of air purifiers on the market, and so far, we have tested only a few of their models.

Considering the many inquiries we’ve got about Philips air purifiers, I decided to purchase and test as many models from this brand as possible this year.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Hands-on Comparison
I placed the Philips 2000 Series in my living room. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In this review, I will provide a detailed overview of the Philips 2000 Series (AC2887) air purifier, present the tests results, and compare it with similar air purifiers in the class.

Considering the dimensions of this air purifier, a CADR of only 196 CFM (333 m³/h) is relatively low, and to be honest, I expected it to be higher.

However, the fact that it was first released in 2016 and has remained on the market today is admirable and proof that it is a reliable and high-quality air purifier.

How We Tested the Philips 2000 Series?

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 Philips 2000 Series in two separate performance tests, one in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and the other in 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Philips 2000 Series run at maximum speed.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Performance test
Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier – Performance test. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Philips 2000 Series 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.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Noise Test
Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier – Noise Test. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

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.

9.3

Performance – Particle Removal Tests

As mentioned earlier, the Philips 2000 Series has a CADR of 196 CFM (333 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 306 sq. ft. (28.4 m²).

To evaluate its performance, we tested it in a room of a similar size, but we also challenged it by testing it in a larger room than recommended.

Before diving into the test results, I can say that this air purifier features high-quality filtration technology, delivers excellent performance in capturing airborne particles, and is effective at eliminating bad odors.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the first test, we placed the Philips 2000 Series in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and let it run at maximum speed for 60 minutes.

# Starting Baseline After 60 min
PM 2.5 104.9 µg/m³ 5.8 µg/m³
PM 10 146.9 µg/m³ 8.1 µg/m³
Particles 152206 per/L 8444 per/L
AQI 137 8

During this time, the air purifier improved air quality by approximately 94%, which is an outstanding result. It reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 104.9 to 5.8 µg/m³.

Particle Removal Test Room - Comparison

Comparison between the Philips 2000 (AC2887) and its competitors in particle removal tests in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.

Compared to similar devices in its class, the Philips 2000 Series performs very well. For instance, the Levoit Core 400S improved air quality in a room of the same size by about 96%, while the AEG AX5 achieved around 91%.

Overall, the Philips 2000 Series delivered excellent performance in this test.

9.6

Noise Levels Test

When it comes to noise levels, there are two key points to highlight: first, the Philips 2000 Series is very well optimized for noise, and second, it includes five fan speed settings.

At the lowest speed, it produces just 40.3 dBA, making it one of the quietest air purifiers in its class. For comparison, the Medify MA-25, which is a much smaller air purifier, produces 41.8 dBA at its lowest speed.

Even at maximum speed, the Philips 2000 Series is well-optimized. It produces a noise level of 61.2 dBA, which is also very quiet in comparison with some similar air purifiers.

Noise Levels Test - Comparison

This chart compares the noise levels at the minimum and maximum speeds of the Philips 2000 (AC2887) air purifier with those of its competitors.

You can see how it ranks among the competitors in the chart provided above.

Fan Speed Philips 2000 Series (dBA)
Sleep Mode40.3 dBA
Speed 1 (Low)42.4 dBA
Speed 2 (Medium)45.6 dBA
Speed 3 (High)51.7 dBA
Speed 4 (Turbo)61.2 dBA

Overall, the Philips 2000 Series is well-optimized for noise and works very quietly, especially at lower speeds.

9.1

Operating Costs – Power Usage Test & Filter Price

When discussing operating costs, I always take into account the price of replacement filters and power use.

An interesting aspect of the Philips 2000 air purifier is that it uses a motor with a power of just 56W. However, I can’t say I’m fully satisfied with the CADR provided by a motor of this power. I believe Philips could have optimized it better.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - A motor
A motor of the Philips 2000 Series air purifier. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

If you were to run the Philips 2000 air purifier 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $3.52. This cost places it somewhere in the middle compared to similar devices.

Monthly Power Cost – Comparison

Comparison of the monthly power cost at maximum speed between the Philips 2000 (AC2887) and some of its competitors.

For instance, the Coway AP-1512HH would cost around $6.05 under the same conditions, with only a minimal difference in CADR between the two products.

Besides electricity consumption, the cost of replacement filters is another factor to consider. The NanoProtect HEPA filter has an impressive lifespan of up to 24 months, while the activated carbon filter typically lasts around 12 months.

Fan Speed Philips 2000 Series (W + $/month)
Standby0.3W ($0.03)
Sleep Mode3.2W ($0.28)
Speed 1 (Low)4.9W ($0.43)
Speed 2 (Medium)8.9W ($0.78)
Speed 3 (High)15.8W ($1.39)
Speed 4 (Turbo)40.1W ($3.52)

Although replacement filters for this air purifier are reasonably priced, I would still recommend checking their availability in your region before making a purchase.

Overall, the Philips 2000 Series is an affordable and easy-to-maintain air purifier on an annual basis.

Filtration Technology

The Philips 2000 (AC2887) features a 3-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a NanoProtect HEPA filter.

The filter is rectangular and placed at the front of the device, right below the front cover.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - I pulled the filters out of the device
I pulled the filters out of the device. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

One important point to highlight is that Philips doesn’t use an ionizer or any other type of additional filtration— it relies only on mechanical filtration. This is a positive aspect, as it ensures no ozone production.

Overall, the filters in the Philips 2000 Series air purifier are of high quality, as confirmed in our performance tests.

Pre-filter

The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration; it’s a mesh filter that captures large particles such as dust, hair, and similar.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Pre-filter
A pre-filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

This stage is permanent and washable, making the maintenance of this air purifier much easier.

In addition to capturing large particles, the pre-filter also helps extend the lifespan of the HEPA filter.

When the ‘F0’ code shows on the display, it indicates that the pre-filter needs to be cleaned.

Activated Carbon Filter

The second stage of filtration is the pellet-based carbon filter, which is primarily designed to neutralize unpleasant odors such as kitchen smells, smoke, VOCs, and similar pollutants.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Activated carbon filter
An activated carbon filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

This filter contains a large number of carbon pellets to effectively combat everyday odors, which is the main reason for its great performance in neutralizing bad odors.

In general, pellet-based filters are much more reliable and efficient than fibrous filters coated with carbon.

NanoProtect HEPA Filter

The NanoProtect HEPA filter is the primary and most important stage of filtration in this device.

It effectively captures small airborne particles such as dust, pollen, allergens, and even some bacteria and viruses.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - NanoProtect HEPA Filter
The NanoProtect HEPA filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

According to Philips, this filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.003 microns, making it significantly more efficient than a True HEPA filter.

Additionally, it removes 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and has been tested to eliminate airborne H1N1 virus particles.

How to Replace the Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier Filter?

The first thing to highlight is that the pre-filter is washable and doesn’t need to be replaced. However, it is recommended to clean it at least once a month or even more frequently if the device is used in rooms with pets.

In addition to the pre-filter, the Philips 2000 Series includes a NanoProtect HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, which need to be replaced when it’s time. On average, the HEPA filter should be replaced every 24 months, while the activated carbon filter requires replacement approximately every 12 months.

What’s good is that this air purifier has a filter reset indicator that notifies you when it’s time to replace the filter. It will show up on the display.

If the display shows the code ‘A3,’ it means the NanoProtect HEPA filter needs to be replaced, while the code ‘C7’ indicates that the activated carbon filter requires replacement. If both codes appear at the same time, it means both filters need to be replaced.

The filter replacement process is straightforward and requires only a few steps.

Setup and Installation

The Philips 2000 Series doesn’t require any special setup procedures before first use.

The filters come pre-installed in the device; however, you need to remove them and take off the plastic protective cover. Once unpacked, simply place the filters back into the device, and your Philips air purifier will be ready to use.

Next, position the air purifier in your desired location, but make sure that the air intake vents aren’t blocked.

Finally, plug it into a power and turn it on.

Design

When it comes to design, there’s not much to say other than that this is a top-tier air purifier with outstanding build quality and interesting design principles.

It’s available in white with black details that are mostly on the top of the device.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Placed in front of the office desk
I placed the Philips 2000 in the front of the office desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

One feature I particularly like is the built-in carrying slot, which makes it easier to move from room to room—especially considering that this is a relatively heavy air purifier.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Slot for moving the device from room to room
Slot for moving the device from room to room. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Overall, I’m sure that the Philips 2000 Series will fit seamlessly into almost any environment and even add a touch of elegance to your home.

Display and Controls

The controls are located on the top of the device, with the display placed at the center.

The touch-sensitive buttons are responsive and easy to use. You’ll find controls for power, display off, auto mode, fan speed, timer, and filter reset.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Control Panel on the Top
Control panel on the top. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The display primarily shows air quality information and indicates which auto mode is currently active.

In addition to the controls and indicators on the top, the device also features an air quality indicator on the front of the unit.

Airflow

This air purifier has air intake openings positioned at the front of the device.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Air inlets
Air inlets. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

It draws in air through these openings, which is then filtered and exits through the grilles on the top.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Fan grilles on top
Fan grilles on top. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Size and Dimensions

This air purifier isn’t small. Its dimensions are 14.1 x 9.4 x 22 inches (35.9 x 24 x 55.8 cm), and it weighs 16.9 lb (7.7 kg).

Although it’s a bit heavy, there is a built-in carrying slot on the back that makes it much easier to move the device from room to room.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Philips AC2887 air purifier, you will receive the air purifier, pre-installed filters, and a user manual.

Features Overview

Although the Philips 2000 Series lacks smart features, it includes a few advanced features that are typically found only in high-end air purifiers.

Levoit Vital 200S Vs Philips 2000 Vs Philips 1000 - Side-by-side
Levoit Vital 200S Vs Philips 2000 Vs Philips 1000 – Side-by-side. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In the following sections, I will explain some of the most important features this air purifier has.

Air Quality Sensor & Indicator

The Philips 2000 Series features an air quality sensor, which is positioned on the side of the device and measures the current level of PM2.5 particulate matter in the air.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Air quality sensor
Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier – Air quality sensor. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

This sensor works in combination with some other features. For instance, the air quality indicator on the front of the device lights in different colors depending on the current air quality.

Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier - Air Quality Light
Air quality indicator on the front. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

As shown in the table, this indicator can display four different colors to represent the current air quality level.

Air quality light colorAir quality level
BlueGood
Blue-PurpleFair
Purple-RedPoor
RedVery poor

Additionally, the display shows the current PM2.5 particle concentration, which is a great feature—especially for those who want precise data on air quality in their place.

To ensure optimal performance, it is important to clean the air quality sensor periodically.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature that works in combination with the air quality sensor.

When the air purifier is set to auto mode, it automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the current air quality in the room.

An interesting part of this feature is that Philips offers three different auto mode settings, each providing a different sensitivity level.

The modes are General, Allergen, and Bacteria & Viruses. The current mode is shown directly on the device’s display.

Sleep Mode

In sleep mode, the air purifier dims all indicators and sets the fan to the lowest.

However, to turn off all indicators completely, you will need to use the lights-off feature, which I will describe below.

Lights Off

This feature allows you to turn the indicators on and off.

Press the button once to dim the air quality indicator, press it again to turn it off, and press it a third time to turn off all indicators on the device.

This feature is especially useful if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom.

Timer

For air purifiers without smart features, a timer can be a very useful addition, and the Philips 2000 air purifier is no exception.

The timer allows you to set a specific time, after which the device will automatically turn off. We can say that this is a sort of simple automation.

In this model, the timer can be set between 1 and 12 hours.

Warranty

The Philips 2000 Series comes with a two-year warranty that can be used worldwide.

FAQ on Philips 2000 Series

Does the Philips 2000 Series produce ozone?

This air purifier doesn’t have an ionizer, UV-C light, or any other type of filtration that could produce ozone as a byproduct. This means that the air purifier does not produce ozone and is completely safe to use.

How often should the filters be replaced on this device?

The NanoProtect HEPA filter should be replaced approximately every 24 months, while the activated carbon filter should be replaced approximately every 12 months.

The pre-filter is washable and doesn’t need to be replaced; it only requires periodic cleaning.

What is the warranty for the Philips 2000 Series Air Purifier?

This air purifier comes with a 2-year warranty.

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