Budget
€0–€100
Published category bar
Air Purifiers (HEPA, living spaces)
This is the exact versioned market bar used by the deterministic engine. It defines what is mandatory, typical and above-class for each European price class.
- Version
- 2026.07-4
- Status
- Active
- Price classes
- 4
European price classes
Mid-range
€100–€200
Upper mid-range
€200–€400
Premium
€400+
The lowest documented European price selects the class. Within ±10% of a boundary, both neighbouring classes are calculated and the better result counts.
Mandatory category features
CE marking and, where a radio module is present, RED conformity for EU distribution
Genuine HEPA/EPA particle filter (H13 typically stated), not a filterless ionizer
If app control is advertised: app available in the EU app store and usable without a foreign account, interface at least in German or English
If ionizer/plasma/UV function present: can be switched off separately (filter-only operation possible)
Expected features by price class
Budget
- 3-stage filter system (pre-filter, HEPA, activated-carbon layer)
- Sleep mode approx. 25 dB or quieter (manufacturer spec)
- Timer and at least 3 fan speeds
- Filter replacement indicator
- CADR approx. 150 m³/h or more (rooms approx. 20 m²)
Mid-range
- PM2.5 sensor with sensor-driven auto mode
- Wi-Fi app control (remote control, schedules)
- Air-quality indicator on the device (colour LED or reading)
- CADR approx. 300 m³/h or more (rooms approx. 40-60 m²)
- Activated-carbon filter for odours and gases
Upper mid-range
- CADR approx. 400 m³/h or more (large rooms approx. 60-100 m²)
- Numeric real-time PM2.5 display on the device
- App with schedules and filter-life display
- Quiet sleep mode (approx. 25-28 dB) with display/LEDs that can be switched off
- Power consumption max. approx. 60 W per datasheet
Premium
- Extended sensing beyond PM2.5 (VOC/NO2 or formaldehyde) with real-time values
- App with air-quality history and reports
- Enhanced gas/odour filtration (high-volume activated carbon or catalyst)
- Filter life approx. 12 months or more (manufacturer spec)
- Quiet night mode (approx. 30 dB or less) despite high maximum output
Above-class bonus features
- Performance/equipment clearly above class expectation (e.g. CADR approx. 500 in mid-range, sensor+app in budget)+4
- CADR documented against a named test standard (e.g. AHAM AC-1 or GB/T 18801) or an independent lab test report published+3
- Local control without forced cloud (Matter/HomeKit/Home Assistant officially supported)+4
- Independent allergy/filtration certification (e.g. ECARF, Allergy UK)+3
- Especially quiet sleep mode below approx. 20 dB+3
- Gas/VOC sensing in addition to the particle sensor+3
- Catalytic formaldehyde destruction or equivalent special technology+4
- Filter running costs below approx. 50 EUR/year (filter price × replacement interval)+3
- Replacement filters for the specific model regularly available from EU retail (manufacturer shop or EU retailer)+3
- Washable/reusable pre-filter+2
- Genuine additional fan and/or heating function+3
- Voice assistant / smart home integration (Alexa, Google, Siri)+2
- Especially energy-efficient: power draw clearly below class-typical level or airflow per watt (CADR/W) clearly above class level+2
Negative characteristics
- Both documented: app processing solely outside the EU/EEA with no selectable EU server region AND no GDPR information — neither a privacy policy stating legal basis and third-country transfer nor corresponding details in the app-store data disclosure (processing outside the EU that is disclosed in line with the GDPR is not a negative feature)-6
- Subscription required for core functions (app control/auto mode)-8
- Works predominantly by ionization/plasma/ozone instead of filtration, or ozone emission measured in tests-6
- Only proprietary filters, with running costs well above class level (over approx. 100 EUR/year from filter price × replacement interval) or with a replacement filter the manufacturer itself declares discontinued-4
- Room-size marketing without any CADR/m³-h figure; or advertised room size not backed by the stated airflow when calculated and at the same time repeatedly documented as heavily exaggerated-4
- Operating noise repeatedly documented as clearly louder than stated-4
- Repeatedly documented severe app defects (disconnects, dead features)-5