Our Verdict
Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins

It offers significantly higher CADR smoke (1216 vs 248) and covers 1900 sq ft, far exceeding Coway's 387.5 sq ft. Choose Coway for smaller rooms and its washable pre-filter benefits.
Bottom Line: Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It offers significantly higher CADR smoke (1216 vs 248) and covers 1900 sq ft, far exceeding Coway's 387.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
390% moreCoverage Sq Ft
390% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 390% higher (1216 vs 248.0)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 390% higher (1900 vs 387.5)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The ideal buyer for the Alen BreatheSmart 45i is someone living in a large home or apartment with significant open-plan areas, like a living room connected to a dining room and kitchen, totaling up to 1900 sq ft. They prioritize comprehensive air purification, especially against smoke, VOCs, and allergens, needing quiet operation for a bedroom setting. This buyer is willing to invest a higher upfront cost for superior coverage (1900 sq ft), a high smoke CADR (1216), and smart features for automatic adjustments, ensuring consistent clean air in expansive spaces.
Buy Coway if...
COWAY Air Purifiers for
The Coway 250 is perfect for buyers needing efficient air purification for medium to large rooms, such as a master bedroom, living room, or office, up to 387.5 sq ft (for 5 ACH). This buyer seeks excellent filtration for common allergens, pet dander, and odors, and values a lower initial price point. They appreciate cost-saving features like a washable pre-filter and smart sensors that optimize performance. It's an excellent choice for those wanting strong performance in a specific area without the higher investment required for whole-home coverage.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $464 | $317 |
| Rating | 4.4(60) | 4.4(7.8k) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 248 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 387.5 |
| Filter Type | HEPA | True HEPA |
| Model Number | 45i_V2 | — |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Alen Air Purifier
- Covers up to 1900 sq ft hourly
- Captures particles down to 0.1 micron
- Filters VOCs, odors, chemicals
- Quiet operation promotes sleep
- Limited absorption for heavy odors/chemicals
- Requires periodic filter replacement
Coway Air Purifiers
- Covers 387 sq ft for 5 air changes per hour.
- Removes 99.999% of 0.01-micron particles.
- Reduces 99% of volatile organic compounds.
- Automatically adjusts fan speed to air quality.
- Requires periodic replacement of internal filters.
- Advertised coverage exceeds typical 5 ACH standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is better suited for very large rooms?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i excels in large spaces, covering up to 1900 sq ft. In contrast, the Coway 250 is designed for rooms up to 387.5 sq ft, making it more appropriate for standard bedrooms or medium-sized living areas.
How do their smoke removal capabilities compare?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i offers vastly superior smoke removal, with a CADR smoke rating of 1216. The Coway 250 has a CADR smoke of 248. This indicates the Alen purifies smoke much faster and more effectively in its coverage area.
Is there a difference in filter maintenance costs?
The Coway 250 includes a washable pre-filter, potentially reducing long-term filter replacement costs. Both purifiers require periodic replacement of their main HEPA and carbon filters, though the Alen specifically filters VOCs, odors, and chemicals.
Do both models have smart sensor technology?
Yes, both the Alen BreatheSmart 45i and the Coway 250 are equipped with smart sensors. These sensors automatically detect air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly to maintain optimal purification efficiently.
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