Philips Series 800 Air Purifier – Trusted Review (2023)

The Philips Series 800 (AC0830) is a small, compact, cylindrical air purifier with several advanced options and high-quality filter technology. Philips makes serious, competitive, quality air purifiers, and this is the first model I decided to try in their range. This small air purifier is available almost worldwide, with some different features depending on the market.

According to AHAM standards, the Philips Series 800 covers rooms up to 176 sq. ft., which means that in a room of these dimensions, this air purifier will purify the air as much as 4.8 times in one hour. However, this small air purifier performed very well in tests in rooms slightly larger than the recommended dimensions.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Review
Philips Series 800 placed on a small desk.

The Philips Series 800 is a minimalist air purifier, it doesn’t have many advanced options, but it does have an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator, and auto mode options, which are more than enough to optimize daily use of the device. I have to say that this air purifier reminds me of many popular cylindrical air purifiers, of which there have been many on the market lately.

At first look, this air purifier may look like a standard air purifier you probably have seen already. Many different companies have released their model for small rooms. However, Phillips is known as a brand that always releases high-quality devices.

I spent some time testing this little air purifier in various conditions, examined it in detail, and finally decided whether it was worth buying. Read on to find out what makes the Philips 800 series so special and what are its advantages and disadvantages.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Smoke Test
Philips Series 800 removed all the smoke from the smoke box in just 33s. This is a fantastic result!

Short on Time? Here’s My Short Summary of The Philips Series 800!

  • The Philips Series 800 is a small air purifier designed for rooms up to 176 sq. ft.
  • This air purifier uses a 3-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, a NanoProtect HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
  • The Philips Series 800 improved air quality by approximately 93% in a performance test in a 194 sq. ft. room, which is a fantastic result.
  • Philips provides a 2-year warranty on this model.

Specifications

The specifications of the Philips Series 800 Air Purifier can be found in the table below.

Manufacturer Philips
Model Series 800 (AC0830)
Dimensions 14.4 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches (36,7 x 25 x 25 cm)
Weight 5.3 lb (2,4 kg)
Filters Pre-filter, NanoProtect HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Longevity up to 12 months
Room Coverage (4.8 ACH) 176 sq. ft.
Number of Fan Speeds 3 – Sleep Mode, Auto Mode, and Turbo Mode
Power Consumption 20W
Warranty 2-year
User manual PDF

Setup and Installation

By the way, air purifiers are known for not requiring any advanced and time-consuming preparation before the first start-up, but a few steps still need to be taken to make sure everything is ready for the initial run.

To start with, the most important step is to remove the filter from the casing, from the bottom of the device, then unpack it from the plastic bag and insert it back into the device. This completes the most important step, as not unpacking the filter can lead to possible overheating and possible damage to the device. In addition, the device cannot serve its purpose without a functional filter.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Power Button
To start the air purifier, you must switch on the button on the back.

Once you have prepared the filter, you need to unpack the adapter, connect it to the appliance, connect it to the electricity, and switch on the air purifier. Note that this air purifier has a slightly unusual starting system, and to switch it on, you need to switch from 0 to 1 on the button located at the back of the device, somewhere near the bottom.

Place the air purifier on a hard, flat surface and move it at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from walls and other objects.

Design

The Philips Series 800 is a cylindrical air purifier of very good quality and a beautiful design. The model I tested is gray in color, looks very modern, and fits easily into almost any environment. Philips has a few other models in other colors, but the most common is white.

This air purifier is made up of two parts, the lower part contains the filter, and the upper part contains the fan and the touch control button.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - On Office Desk
I placed the Philips Series 800 on the office desk.

The build quality is very good, the device is much lighter than I first thought, but it is very stable. It is not cumbersome during operation; in short, the whole construction of the device is of top quality.

What I could criticize are the carrying handles, which are absent, and the power button, which is located at the back and is somewhat inaccessible. However, since this is a small device, grabbing it with two hands and moving it should not be a problem. Everything else about this model is without reservation, and I think that the Philips 800 air purifier fits easily into almost any environment.

Controls

When it comes to the device controls, there isn’t much to say. The controls of this model consist of two phases. The first phase is to switch on the device, which is done by pressing a button on the back. The second phase is to operate the device using the touch button located on the top of the device.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Control Button
This air purifier has a control panel located on the top of the device.

In addition to switching the operating mode, the touch button also serves as a filter reset indicator. Basically, each press of the button switches between sleep mode, auto mode and turbo mode, and so on in a circle.

To be honest, I don’t like this solution with a separate and inaccessible starting button, but I don’t think it’s a big deal because this is a very interesting, reliable, and high-quality air purifier.

Airflow

This air purifier is cylindrical in shape, with air inlets arranged on all sides, occupying the lower half of the unit. The air enters through these openings, is filtered, and exits through the openings on the upper side of the device.

Size and Dimensions

The air purifier weighs 5.3 lb (2,4 kg). The dimensions of the device are: 14.4 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches (36,7 x 25 x 25 x 25 cm). The Philips Series 800 is small and compact, so it easily finds its place on an office desk, bedside table, or any other place where space is somehow limited.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the device, you will receive an air purifier with a 3-in-1 HEPA filter (pre-installed),  power adapter, and user manual. Before you connect the air purifier to the electricity and start the process of purifying the air in your room, I recommend that you carefully study the information I have written in the setup and installation section.

Features Overview

The Philips Series 800 is basically a small air purifier without many advanced options and can perhaps be classified as a minimalist air purifier like the Blueair 411 Auto, which reminds me a lot of the Philips in terms of options.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Fan Grilles
Philips Series 800 is a minimalist air purifier without many advanced options.

However, Phillips is not completely naked; it has some of its own advantages and advanced options that justify the name, make it a better choice, and, most importantly, make it easier for the average user to use the device on a daily basis.

Air Quality Sensor and Air Quality Indicator

The air quality sensor is what sets the Philips Series 800 apart from other competing air purifiers. This sensor is located on the back of the device, and it can detect PM2.5 particles in real-time and works in combination with some other options such as the air quality indicator and the auto mode.

This sensor is always active and collects information on the current air quality, while the air quality indicator, which is basically an LED light located around the knob, glows in a different color depending on the current air quality.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Air Quality Sensor
The air quality sensor is located on the back of the device.

In the table below, I have shown how the air quality indicator works and what color it lights up depending on the current air quality. I must say that the auto mode also uses these values to switch the operating mode and the fan speed.

PM2.5 levelAir quality light colorAir quality level
≤12BlueGood
13-35Blue-purpleFair
36-55Purple-redPoor
55RedVery poor

Auto Mode

Auto mode is an option that works in combination with the air quality sensor so that when the unit is in auto mode, it automatically switches the operating mode and fan speed according to the current air quality.

Although the Philips Series 800 does not have a smart application and frankly does not have that many options, I have to say that I am very positively surprised by the Auto Mode option and that it is an option that raises the quality of this device to a whole new level.

Filter Reset Indicator

A filter reset indicator is a fantastic option that allows you to easily keep track of the filter replacement time. This indicator is not always visible; it is located just below the control knob and will only light up red when it is time to change the filter.

Given that the filter on this machine lasts up to 12 months, this is a much-needed feature, and I believe it makes it easier for many users to keep track of when to change the filter.

Warranty

Philips is a serious global company and I therefore really like the fact that they provide a warranty that is available worldwide. So once you register your device for warranty, you can use it at an authorized Philips service center anywhere in the world. Philips gives a 2-year warranty on this model, which is the industry standard and quite sufficient for this type of device.

Philips Series 800 Video Review

Check out in the video above all the things you should know about the Philips Series 800. See it in action and how it behaves in a room while providing fresh, clean air.

Room Coverage and CADR

As I have said many times before, I recommend the Philips 800 Series air purifier for rooms up to 176 sq. ft. In a room of this size, this air purifier will clean the air 4.8 times, which is the industry standard. This air purifier has 190 m³/h of clean air (CADR), which is very good considering its dimensions.

Let’s say in a room of 430 sq. ft., this air purifier will clean the air twice in one hour, which means that in a room of this size, there are 2 ACH. This is perhaps the reason why this air purifier scored very well on the performance tests in a room larger than the recommended dimensions.

Overall, I would recommend this air purifier for a bedroom, small living room, kitchen, or other small room. I also think that this device would be perfect in a modern office.

Filtration Technology

The Philips Series 800 air purifier uses 3-stage filtration technology with an innovative manufacturing technology that is unique to Philips air purifiers. The filter is cylindrical in shape, hollow in the center, and almost identical to the filters in many competing air purifiers.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - 3-in-1 Filtration Technology
Philips Series 800 uses a three-stage filtration technology.

Commendably, it is a high-quality filter that drastically improves the air quality in the room. It is important to note that the filter is not washable, so it needs to be changed from time to time, but it is also very durable and can last up to 12 months.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Replacement Filter

Philips Series 800 Replacement Filter

Always buy genuine filters for the best performance. As soon as the filter reset indicator is on, you are ready to change filters. Do it as quickly as possible.

Check Filter Price On Amazon

Pre-filter

The first stage of filtration in the Philips 800 air purifier is the pre-filter, which is designed to trap larger dust particles, hair, pet hair, etc. In this way, this filter also extends the life of the HEPA filter, making it an extremely important filtration stage.

I recommend cleaning this filter regularly as you will not only extend the life of the HEPA filter but also keep the quality of filtration at a consistently high level.

NanoProtect HEPA Filter

The second stage of filtration is the NanoProtect HEPA filter, which traps dust particles, pollen, allergens, and similar particles from the air, drastically improving the air quality.

I wish Philips used a True HEPA filter, but that’s not the case, as the True HEPA filter is much more efficient and reliable than the NanoProtect HEPA or other similar filters. However, performance tests have shown that this is not necessarily a big disadvantage and that despite not having a True HEPA filter, this air purifier performs fantastically.

Activated Carbon Filter

The activated carbon filter is the final stage of filtration, and its purpose is to neutralize odors, unpleasant smells, and similar toxic particles from the air.

I like the fact that Philips uses a carbon pellet-based filter, which is much more reliable and efficient than ordinary carbon-coated fibrous filters. In short, this filter is very much the reason for the good results in the smoke test, but also for the good results in the tests in the kitchen and similar rooms where it is necessary to neutralize unpleasant odors.

How to Replace the Philips Series 800 Filter?

It is important to understand that the Philips Series 800 air purifier uses a filter that is not washable and needs to be replaced from time to time.

Fortunately, the filter on this model lasts up to 12 months, making it one of the longest-lasting filters on the market, comparable to the filters in some larger air purifiers such as the Coway AP-1512HH.

Philips uses a filter reset indicator that lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter. In addition to regular filter changes, I would definitely recommend maintaining and cleaning the pre-filter at least once a month, maybe twice a month.

However, if you are using the air purifier in a room with pets, then I would recommend more frequent cleaning due to the potentially higher build-up of dust, hair, and similar particles. By cleaning the pre-filter, you protect the HEPA filter and prolong its life, keeping the efficiency of the appliance at a high level at all times.

Noise Test

The Philips 800 Series air purifier has basically three modes of operation: sleep mode, auto mode, and turbo mode, but basically only two fixed modes of operation. I have noticed that in sleep mode, this air purifier is extremely quiet and can easily be used in a bedroom or similar room. In this mode, Philips makes a volume of only 41.8 dBA.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Noise Test
I used a special tool to measure Philips Series 800 noise levels.

In Turbo mode, however, the situation is slightly different, and this device is slightly louder but still not too loud.

Finally, the Auto mode is the most different and does not have a clearly defined noise level, as in this mode, the device varies its speed according to the current air quality in the room. However, as I tested each device in detail, I did the same with this one, and I tested the volume in auto mode, and I found that in this mode, the Philips Series 800 produces a range of sound from 41.8 – 62.8 dBA. It actually switches between four different speeds when on auto mode.

Speed Value (dBA)
Sleep Mode 41.8 dBA
Auto Mode 41.8 – 62.8 dBA
Turbo Mode 62.8 dBA

To be honest, the Philips Series 800 reminds me more and more of the Levoit Core 300 in terms of looks, performance, and loudness in sleep mode and at maximum speed, so I will be happy to compare these two fantastic devices in detail in the near future.

In short, the Philips Series 800 air purifier is not too loud, and thanks to the Sleep Mode option, it easily finds its way into the bedroom, as well as into any other larger space such as the living room, thanks to the extremely powerful Turbo Mode.

Performance Tests

The performance test is one of the most important tests of any air purifier, and Philips has met all my expectations here. Not only did it achieve excellent results on the performance tests in a room of the recommended dimensions, but this device also significantly improved the air quality in a slightly larger room.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Performance Test
I used a laser particle meter to test Philips Series 800 performance.

Most importantly, Philips has lived up to its name. It has shown that it is a high-quality air purifier and that it is competitive with other similar air purifiers in its class.

I would also point out that I recommend the Philips Series 800 air purifier in rooms up to 176 sq. ft. because, in a room of this size, this air purifier will purify the air 4.8 times which is the industry standard used by AHAM.

194 sq. ft. Room Test

In the first test, in a room of 194 sq. ft., which is slightly larger than the recommended dimensions, I turned on the Philips 800 air purifier at maximum speed and left it running for 60 minutes. During this time, this air purifier improved the air quality by about 93%, bringing the AQI down from 122 to 9.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 93 6.5
PM 10 130.2 9.1
Particles 134860 9426
AQI 122 9

I have to say that this is an excellent result and much better than expected, especially as this air purifier does not use a True HEPA filter.

320 sq. ft. Room Test

In the second test, this time in a much larger room than the recommended dimensions, Philips also achieved a very good result. In a room of 320 sq. ft., this air purifier improved the air quality by about 91% in 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed.

# Starting Baseline After 60min
PM 2.5 101.9 8.4
PM 10 142.7 11.8
Particles 147856 12324
AQI 133 12

Although not as good a result as in the previous test, I am very satisfied and recommend the Philips Series 800 for slightly larger rooms than the recommended dimensions.

Operating Costs

The Philips Series 800 needs very little energy to work. This device literally consumes less electricity than the average light bulb. What really surprised me about this model is that the 20W motor has such a high airflow, allowing this device to be used in slightly larger rooms than the recommended dimensions.

Philips Series 800 Air Purifier - Power Usage
This air purifier uses a very powerful motor.

If you were to leave this air purifier running in Turbo mode, 24 hours a day, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately USD 1.6, which you agree is almost a paltry cost considering the benefits you get from using this device.

Speed Power Usage (W)
Sleep Mode 2.2W
Auto Mode 2.2W – 17.5W
Turbo Mode 17.5W

If you add to the electricity consumption the cost of replacement filters, which are not too expensive and need to be changed on average once a year, then it is easy to conclude that the Philips Series 800 is an extremely affordable air purifier for annual maintenance.

Therefore, I can safely say that this is one of the most affordable air purifiers in this class that I have tested so far.

FAQ on Philips Series 800

What is the difference between Philips AC0830 and AC0820?

The biggest difference between these two models is the color and filtration technology. The Philips AC0830, the model I tested, is grey in color and uses 3-stage filtration technology, while the Philips AC0820 is available in white and uses 2-stage filtration technology.

Is the Philips Series 800 air purifier effective?

The Philips Series 800 captures 99.5% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns, so you are safe from PM2.5, bacteria, pollen, dust, pet hair, odors, and other pollutants. On top of all this, it has performed exceptionally well in performance tests, as well as in the smoke test.

Does the Philips Series 800 produce ozone?

No. This air purifier does not use an ionizer, UV-C light, or any other filter technology that could cause ozone production, which means it is completely ozone-free and safe to use.

Can I wash the filter of my Philips air purifier?

Unfortunately, the filters of the Philips 800 Series Air Purifier cannot be washed! However, I recommend regular cleaning and maintenance of the pre-filter, at least once a month.

Pros and Cons

To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Philips Series 800:

Pros

  • 3-stage filtration technology
  • Exceptional quality design
  • Air quality sensor and indicator
  • Auto mode
  • UK allergy certified
  • Very low power consumption
  • Excellent results on performance tests
  • Not too loud when working
  • Easy to maintain
  • Long-lasting filters

Cons

  • Complicated starting system
  • Lack of advanced options

Final Thoughts

The Philips Series 800 is a small, reliable, and extremely high-quality air purifier. Not only did this device score fantastic results in performance tests, but it is also very affordable to maintain, very quiet in sleep mode, and has an air quality sensor. All these are more than enough reasons to declare the Philips 800 Series Air Purifier my absolute recommendation for purchase.

I should mention that I tested the AC0830 model, which differs from some other models in that it has a third stage of filtration, specifically an activated carbon filter, which is also credited with very good performance as well as neutralizing odors.

If you have any questions regarding this device, please do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comments box below. I will answer any question as soon as possible.

9.4

SCORE

Review Breakdown

Performance

9.5

Noise

9.6

Operating cost

9.4

Value for money

9.5

Ease of use

9.2

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