Philips 600i Series Air Purifier – Is it Worth it?

Full Review

The Philips 600i Series is a compact air purifier featuring simple controls, a CADR of 100 CFM (170 m³/h), two-stage filtration technology, and compatibility with the Philips Air+ smart app.

This air purifier is best suited for small spaces, such as bedrooms, small living rooms, or similar areas.

It covers rooms of up to 156 sq. ft. (14.5 m²), with an ACH of 4.8. We tested its performance, noise levels, and power consumption to evaluate its overall effectiveness and value for money.

How We Tested the Philips 600i 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 600i Series 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 Philips 600i Series 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 Philips 600i 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.

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.

This compact air purifier is designed for rooms up to 156 sq. ft. (14.5 m²), delivering an ACH of 4.8 air changes per hour.

To review its performance, we tested it in two different room sizes—one smaller and one larger than the recommended size.

Additionally, I used it in my bedroom for some time to test its effectiveness in everyday situations.

While it delivered good results in our performance tests and worked well in my bedroom, I must admit that I would have preferred it if it had an activated carbon filter.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, we placed the Philips 600i Series in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and measured how much it would improve air quality within 60 minutes while operating at maximum speed.

It achieved a 91% improvement in air quality, which is a decent result, particularly given its small CADR and two-stage filtration technology.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Philips 600i Series produced solid results.

In just 60 minutes, operating at maximum speed, it reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 97.8 to 10.3 µg/m³, representing an air quality improvement of approximately 89%.

Compared to similar air purifiers, this model ranks somewhere in the middle.

For instance, as shown in the chart, the MOOKA B-D02L achieved an 81% improvement in the same test, while some models performed significantly better. For example, the Levoit Vital 100S improved air quality by approximately 95% under the same conditions.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the performance of the Philips 600i Series air purifier. Considering its small CADR and reliance just on a NanoProtect HEPA filter, I believe this result exceeded my expectations.

We measured the noise level of this air purifier using a specialized noise measurement tool, recording the results on the dBA scale.

The Philips 600i Series has just three fan speeds but stands out as one of the quietest air purifiers we have tested.

At its lowest speed, it produces a sound of only 40.3 dBA, making it the quietest air purifier among all the comparable models we tested.

As shown in the chart above, no other device is quieter than the Philips 600i at its lowest speed.

However, at maximum speed, the situation changes slightly. While still one of the best-optimized air purifiers, it produces a sound of 57.3 dBA. The only air purifier quieter than this at maximum speed is the Levoit Core 200S, which produces 53.9 dBA.

Overall, the Philips 600i Series is one of the quietest air purifiers we have tested.

The Philips 600i Series is a compact air purifier powered by a highly efficient 12W motor.

At maximum speed (turbo mode), it consumes only 9.8W, making it one of the most power-to-CADR optimized air purifiers on the market.

This means that if you operate the air purifier at a maximum speed 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by only about $0.86.

For comparison, the Philips 800, its larger counterpart, would cost approximately $1.53 under the same conditions.

In addition to the power usage costs, there is also the cost of replacing the filter, which needs to be changed roughly every 12 months.

When combining the power use costs with the price of the replacement filter, the Philips 600i Series proves to be an extremely affordable air purifier to maintain.

Filtration Technology

The Philips 600i Series uses a two-stage filtration technology. The filter is cylindrical and located inside the bottom part of the device.

The first stage of filtration is a pre-filter, a nylon mesh attached to the HEPA filter. Its purpose is to capture larger particles and prevent them from reaching the NanoProtect HEPA filter.

This helps extend the HEPA filter’s lifespan while improving overall filtration efficiency.

The second and most important stage is the NanoProtect HEPA filter, capable of capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

These include particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, mold spores, and other similar pollutants.

An interesting feature of the NanoProtect HEPA technology is its use of electrostatic charge to attract pollutants, allowing it to clean up to twice as much air as traditional HEPA H13 filters.

The most significant drawback of the Philips 600i Series, however, is the lack of an activated carbon filter layer.

How to Replace the Philips 600i Filter?

The Philips 600i uses a non-washable filter, which needs to be replaced from time to time. While it typically lasts about 12 months, the exact duration depends on usage and the environment in which it operates.

A convenient feature is the filter reset indicator located on the top of the control panel, which lights up when it’s time to replace the filter, so you don’t need to track replacement schedules manually.

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

Setup and Installation

This small air purifier comes with the filter pre-installed, requiring only a few simple steps to prepare it for its first use.

First, open the filter cover located at the bottom of the device and remove the filter. Unwrap it from the protective plastic packaging, then place the filter back into the device. This step is essential; skipping it could damage the device.

Next, attach the power cord to the device, position it in your desired location, ensuring it is at least 15 inches away from walls and other objects, plug it in, and turn it on.

Design

The design of the Philips 600i is similar to the Philips 800 air purifier, with the most notable difference being that the Philips 800 is larger.

This air purifier is made from decent-quality plastic and is well-crafted, and for this type of device, the build quality is excellent.

We can say that it has two main parts: the bottom part, which houses the filter and power button, and the top part, which includes the motor, display, and controls.

The Philips 600i is available in white, with silk beige accents on the body and black details on the control panel.

Overall, the Philips 600i is an attractive and compact air purifier that will complement almost any home décor.

Display and Controls

For some reason, Philips has chosen an unusual approach to controlling their devices. Specifically, this air purifier features a single physical power button located on the back, which is used to turn the device on and off. The issue with this button is that it’s not easily accessible.

However, you can turn the air purifier off using the smart app, bypassing the need to access the button on the back.

On top of the device, there is a display with LED indicators and a touch button. This button is used to adjust the fan speeds and reset the filter replacement indicator.

The display also includes indicators for fan speeds, sleep mode, filter reset, and WiFi connectivity.

Overall, despite the inconvenient placement of the power button, the controls on the Philips 600i are straightforward and user-friendly.

Airflow

This air purifier has openings for drawing air in arranged at the bottom part, spread through all the sides of the device.

The air that enters through these holes is filtered and exits through the fan grilles on the top.

Size and Dimensions

The dimensions of the Philips 600i Series air purifier are 9.6 x 9.3 x 13.4 inches (24.3 x 23.7 x 34.1 cm). It weighs 4.9 lb (2.2 kg).

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Philips 600i Series air purifier, you’ll get 1x Air Purifier, 1x Filter, 1x Power Cable, and 1x User Manual.

Features Overview

The Philips 600i is a simple air purifier without advanced features accessible directly through its control panel. However, it is compatible with the Philips Air+ smart app, which opens several new features.

With the smart app, you can set up scheduling, which is an advanced timer feature.

Additionally, the Philips Air+ smart app is great for remotely controlling the device. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

However, I do miss an air quality sensor, which I believe would enable additional features through the smart app and significantly enhance the capabilities of this compact air purifier.

This is somehow unusual, as most air purifiers with smart app compatibility typically have an air quality sensor. A similar situation is with the Levoit Core 200S, which also has a smart app but lacks an air quality sensor, just like the Philips 600i.

FAQ on Philips 600i Series