Our Verdict
Alen BreatheSmart 45i HEPA Wins
Its 253.33 CADR (smoke) offers superior purification for its 395 sq ft effective coverage, making it far more efficient than Soleus Air's 73.8 CADR for its true effective range. Choose Soleus Air for smart features and wider (less effective) claimed coverage.
Bottom Line: Alen BreatheSmart 45i HEPA is the better choice. Its 253.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
71% lessCoverage Sq Ft
911% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Soleus Air
- Coverage Sq Ft: 911% higher (4000.0 vs 395.83)
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 71% higher (73.8 vs 253.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Soleus Air if...
Air Purifier Large Room,True
If you prioritize smart home integration, silent operation, and real-time environmental data, the Soleus Air purifier is an excellent choice. Ideal for tech-savvy individuals who want Wi-Fi/app control, voice commands, and a clear large screen display. Its 22dB sleep mode is perfect for bedrooms where quiet is paramount. While its 4000 sq ft claim is ambitious given its 73.8 CADR, it's suitable for those needing a smart, quiet unit for medium-to-large single rooms that don't require extremely rapid air changes.
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is perfect for anyone prioritizing highly effective and rapid air purification in rooms up to ~400 sq ft. Ideal for allergy sufferers, pet owners, or those sensitive to dust and odors, its high 253.33 CADR for smoke and medical-grade HEPA Odor Filter ensure superior air quality and odor neutralization. If you need a reliable unit that intelligently adjusts to maintain clean air in bedrooms or home offices, and don't mind periodic filter replacements, Alen is a robust choice for tangible air quality improvement.
Spec Comparison
7 specs compared
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 | $479 |
| Rating | 4.8(7) | 4.7(754) |
| Cadr Smoke | 73.8 | 253.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 4000 | 395.83 |
| Noise Level db Min | 22 dB | — |
| Energy Star | Yes | — |
| Filter Type | True HEPA | HEPA Odor Filter |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | — |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Soleus Air Air Purifier
- Covers 4000 sq ft area in 1 hour.
- Filters with True H13 HEPA media.
- Operates at 22dB in sleep mode.
- Real-time PM2.5, temp, humidity sensors.
- 73.8 CFM CADR is low for 4000 sq ft claim.
- Odor filtration from carbon filter not specified.
Alen Air Purifier
- Neutralizes strong household odors
- Medical-grade filter captures 0.1 micron particles
- SmartSensor auto-adjusts fan speed
- High CADR smoke rating (253.33)
- Effective coverage (395 sq ft) less than advertised
- Pink noise feature may not be preferred by all users
- Requires periodic filter replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which is better for a large room?
Despite Soleus Air's 4000 sq ft claim, its low 73.8 CADR means it's inefficient for such large spaces. Alen (253.33 CADR) is more effective for rooms up to ~400 sq ft, offering quicker and more thorough purification for its size.
What's the main difference in purification power (CADR)?
Alen BreatheSmart 45i has a significantly higher CADR for smoke (253.33 CFM) compared to Soleus Air (73.8 CFM). This means Alen cleans the air faster and more effectively in its recommended room size.
Is the price difference worth it?
The Alen is slightly cheaper at $479 and provides superior purification efficiency for rooms up to 400 sq ft, especially for odor removal. Soleus Air ($499.99) offers smart features and very quiet operation, but its low CADR limits true large-room effectiveness.
Which is quieter?
Soleus Air operates at a low 22dB in sleep mode, making it exceptionally quiet. While Alen also emphasizes ultra-quiet operation, a specific dB level isn't provided, and it includes pink noise, which might not suit everyone.
Which is better for pet owners?
Alen BreatheSmart 45i is better for pet owners as it explicitly neutralizes strong household odors with its HEPA Odor Filter, a feature not specified for Soleus Air. Both use HEPA for dander.
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